Serving more than 5000 free community meals annually, the Mateel Meal has been pleasing hungry patrons at the Mateel Community Center every Tuesday and Wednesday for 12 years, and is one of the center's most vital and time-honored offerings. Under the skillful direction of Chefs Pauli Henninger, Bob Binairz, and Joy Call, a dedicated cadre of volunteers serve up between 40 and 60 hot lunches at every Mateel Meal, and it has gained notoriety amongst locals as "the best free meal on the west coast," and a great place to network with folks in the community.

Truly a cooperative community effort, the Mateel Meal is made possible through the generous food donations of Ray's Shop Smart, Ray's Food Place, Chautauqua Natural Foods, Mateel Café, Signature Coffee, the Department of Fish & Game, Eureka Food Bank, and local farmers and individuals. Combining healthy ingredients with a huge dose of TLC, the Mateel Meal crew cooks up a delicious, nutritious, and dependable hot meal that is available from noon to 1pm every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the year. We invite you to stop by for a bite or to lend your volunteer labor. Additional donations and volunteers are always needed and appreciated. Call the Mateel office for more information.