Despite rainy weather, San Francisco institutions continued their holiday tradition of serving free meals to residents in need on Christmas. Organizations like the St. Anthony Foundation and Glide Memorial Church provided meals and a sense of community to the city’s most vulnerable.
Glide Memorial Church and House of Prime Rib Serve Free Christmas Eve Meal
On Christmas Eve, Glide Memorial Church and the House of Prime Rib carried on a 30-year tradition of feeding the hungry for free. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Retiring House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined the event, serving meals alongside the family of Joe Betz, the restaurant’s founder who passed away in September 2025.
Dressed in white uniforms, volunteers served trays with prime rib, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and rolls to thousands of people. Over the years, Betz donated more than 75,000 pounds of prime rib for these Christmas Eve events.
“It’s an honor to serve meals with such an incredible family,” said Mayor Lurie. Many attendees like Zachary Sisler, who has been living in the Tenderloin, appreciated the event as it provided them with their first taste of prime rib and much-needed support.
Community Members Appreciate Free Meals Amid Rising Prices
Craig Smallwood, a regular attendee, highlighted the importance of these meals, especially as food prices continue to rise. “Prices are going up. Everything’s getting more expensive. I’m a big fan of free food,” he said.
St. Anthony Foundation’s 75th Annual Christmas Day Meal
On Christmas Day, the St. Anthony Foundation hosted its 75th annual free lunch in the Tenderloin. The event attracted long lines of residents waiting for hot meals prepared by the foundation’s team of chefs. By noon, volunteers had already served over 800 meals, with a total of more than 2,200 expected to be distributed that day.
Guests were greeted warmly, sometimes even by name, as staff and volunteers helped manage the lines and assisted those in wheelchairs or walkers. Laura Flannigan, the foundation’s COO, emphasized the importance of these holiday meals.
“The holiday meal service really highlights the need for a sense of belonging,” Flannigan said. “It’s really the best gift we can give.”
Special Christmas Menu
The Christmas lunch included Korean chicken kalbi, cilantro lime rice, fresh vegetables, vegetable flatbread, and homemade cookies. Patrons could choose their favorite dishes and were encouraged to return for seconds if they wished. “Our guests love the chicken,” Flannigan added.
Growing Need for Community Services
Flannigan noted that over the past three years, the demand for services like food, medical care, hygiene items, addiction recovery support, and clothing has increased. She highlighted the importance of consistent support from donors and volunteers throughout the year.
Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers like John Caroompas, who has been helping since 2014 despite a double hip replacement and back injury, described St. Anthony’s as his “other home.” Caroompas shared that volunteering has become a family tradition for him and encouraged everyone to volunteer at least once in their lifetime.
Conclusion
San Francisco’s holiday meal services show the power of community, generosity, and support for those in need. Organizations like St. Anthony Foundation and Glide Memorial Church not only provide hot meals but also create a sense of belonging and care for the city’s most vulnerable residents, making Christmas a warmer and brighter time for all.
