Common Table Wellfleet

11/05/2025

Hi All:

Common Table is BACK!

We are operating under a new model as we are no longer functioning in pandemic mode.

Thankfully, we recently received a generous donation and the donor expressed a desire to get food to those in need, and those impacted by disappearing SNAP benefits, as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We have applied to Stop & Shop to be eligible to make bulk purchases of gift cards, but have already provided some gift cards to several food related charities in our community.

We will continue to coordinate with other community resources to reach those in need.

Common Table received wonderful support from our community in the past and we thank everyone for that support.

If you wish to donate to Common Table, we will be providing a PayPal link shortly.

In the meantime, checks can be mailed to Common Table, Inc
P.O. Box 1505
Wellfleet MA

We are a non profit public charity [501 (c)(3)] and will mail or email a receipt.

Again, thank you and huge thanks to our donor!

11/01/2025

A message from Bruce:

SNAP, Crisis, Common Table and Help On The Way:

Of course, it seems as if there is crisis everywhere today. Government chaos, cruelty, weather chaos...it's enough to make you question your sanity. But, as I often say, good people more often than not, come to the rescue. And we see this in Wellfleet all the time.

I'm very pleased to say that as the result of an incredibly kind, gracious and compassionate donor, Common Table will be implementing a food assistance program in the coming days and weeks. We anticipate that the program will include up to 200 Stop & Shop food cards (and, it turns out that purchasing this many food cards from S&S is a process in and of itself) that will be available to those in need and will be distributed at select locations; for example the Wellfleet Food Pantry and the Elementary School.

We will be working with Stop & Shop in the next few days to purchase the cards and will then work with other local organizations to determine where the cards can be picked up. So, keep an eye out for further news as we put together this program.

And, of course, in the days ahead, please consider what you can do to help our good friends and neighbors with connections to Jamaica. They desperately need our help.

Again; thank you, thank you to our donor and please keep those in need in your thoughts!

10/04/2025

A crosspost by Bruce A. Bierhans from the Wellfleet Community Space page:

Remember Common Table?

Hello Wellfleet: I've written frequently about the importance of the non profit social services network in light of budget cuts that haven't really hit yet, but assuredly will start to hit folks in the near future. Health care, food insecurity, clothing, mental health care, and on and on.

I indicated recently that Trudy and I have kept Common Table alive knowing that we might be able to address community needs going forward. It doesn't need to be a pandemic, but simply a need arising out of crisis. Although we served over 22,000 free meals during the pandemic, we can serve in other ways based upon need. Collaborating with other local non profits is another way that we can help. We intend to speak shortly with a local pastor about a possible venue for events.

There are so many possibilities. As we go into the fall, if anyone has any ideas about ways that Common Table can help, we're welcoming those ideas. My email is [email protected].

Wellfleet always takes care of it's own. We're here to help. Take care! — Bruce Bierhans with Trudy Vermehren.

05/30/2022

For Common Table Supporters:

Recently, some have asked with Fox and Crow moving to a wonderful new location, what would happen to Common Table?

When Trudy and I and our board formed Common Table at the beginning of the pandemic, our mission was to address food insecurity and serve free meals to those in need; no questions asked. Who ever thought we'd serve over 20,000 meals!

Recently, Trudy and I discussed the possibility of dissolving Common Table as our mission had been served. But, then again, we also discussed the fact that so much remains to be done for so many worthy causes. And, Common Table had created a brand and good will that could be used to advance future challenges. Also, a new expanded location will be beneficial as well.

So, we are pleased to announce that Common Table will live on to serve our community! And words alone cannot express our thanks to all those that have supported Common Table.

02/17/2021

This week we’ve been gifted a huge bag of beautiful oyster mushrooms from Uli’s mushrooms in Truro through a grant secured by Sustainable Cape.

Oyster mushrooms are surprisingly meaty but still delicately flavored enough to pass for something like chicken breast meat. Today these will be made into a Oyster Mushroom Noodle Soup (think chicken noodle without the chicken).

Thanks to all of our hard working volunteers and our supporters, we’re coming up on 19,000 meals served in less than a year!
Correction!!!: We have now served 19,700!

02/09/2021

https://www.facebook.com/286225334745745/posts/4187092887992284/

12/20/2020

Loved meeting these Witches!

12/13/2020

16,000 Free Meals Later...and we still need your help!

I remember so well my text to Trudy on March 14. Hey, since the schools are closing, you think we could serve some meals to students in need? Of course, I knew that Trudy would say yes.
Well, by the following Thursday, we saw the need and made the meals available to all those in need.

Never did we imagine that by December, we'd have served over 16,000 meals. But with the help of Kristen and all our dedicated volunteers, supporters, donors, suppliers and drivers, we have been able to be there for our community.

But now, as we're seeing increasing need as we go into the winter, we have to humbly ask for your help. Any donation in any amount will help feed your neighbors this winter and spring. You can donate through this page, the Fox and Crow FB page, or just send a check to Common Table, c/o Fox & Crow, 6 Commercial St, Wellfleet 02667. Donations can also be made to Common Table through Wellfleet Preservation Hall.

From the bottom of our collective hearts...thank you, have a wonderful holiday and stay safe!

Bruce, Trudy, Kristen and the entire Common Table crew!

12/04/2020

A quick post to let everyone know that Common Table, our free meals program, is still alive and well! AND we have some ties to other food programs beyond what we do. ANYONE can get food.

If you, or someone you know, is in need of a prepared meal or other food(s), please get in touch with us. Email [email protected] and we can help.

There is a surplus of food out there and we want to make sure it’s distributed to anyone who needs it. Just this week we were given 8 cases of uncooked butternut squash, 8 cases of fresh asparagus, 6 cases of brussels sprouts, and 6 cases of green beans. In addition to this, the Wellfleet Food Pantry is open two days a week now, no income verification or proof of need necessary, and you can choose items you and your family can use. We are distributing soups from the 246 “Soup’s On” program and Haddock Chowder from the Cape Fisherman’s Alliance. The county has another program to distribute 30 # cases of food though I’m not sure how frequently this happens but will try to keep you updated when it does happen.

07/16/2020

Time for a VERY important shoutout to our fearless and resilient leader, Trudy! Since March 17th she has put all her energy into helping feed her community 11,149 meals! 🍽

Fast forward to today she is simultaneously keeping up with the Common Table demand as well as run her restaurant! We wouldn't be here without you, Trudy!❤️

07/10/2020

Thanks to the REAL heroes; Trudy and the entire Common Table crew and volunteers!
This nomination was a surprise to me, but the crew and volunteers are far more deserving!
Be well everyone!

Bruce

Counting down to the Trial Lawyers Care Award--on 7/13-- we recognize our TLC Award Nominees, starting with Bruce Bierhans: founder of Common Table at Fox & Crow which has served 4,000 free meals on the Massachusetts Cape since March and raised over $40K.