Brenda Sullivan, Chef of the Adult Community Center

An interview with the team behind the Curbside Lunch Program at the Adult Community Center (ACC).

When the pandemic hit in 2020, many local programs in San Carlos faced uncertainty. But the Curbside Lunch Program, which began as a simple dine-in lunch service at the Adult Community Center (ACC) grew into something amazing, bringing different varieties of home-cooked meals daily to residents across the city.

San Carlos Life had the privilege of sitting down with the dedicated team at the Adult Community Center to learn how the Curbside Lunch Program began, how it operates today, and why it continues to be such an important part of San Carlos.

Curbside Lunch Program Meals

How It All Began

The lunch program originally started as a dine-in service where participants placed their orders at the front desk and enjoyed their meals in the lobby. When COVID-19 hit, the ACC quickly adapted. In August 2020, the team launched a curbside pickup model and began offering home delivery for homebound residents.

“This shift allowed us to continue serving the community during a challenging time while expanding our reach and efficiency,” the team explained. When in-person dining became possible again, a survey showed that participants overwhelmingly preferred to keep the curbside format. Today, people can pick up lunch curbside, dine in at the center, or receive delivery. The program now serves about 150 lunches each day.

How the Menu Comes Together

Every month, the program offers a different dish daily that rotates around salads, soups, sandwiches, pies, roasts, pasta, and more. There’s always something new to enjoy.

Menus are planned each month with care, balancing new dishes with familiar favorites. “Our goal is to offer something for everyone,” staff shared. “We regularly gather feedback and accommodate requests when we can.” The team includes vegetarian and healthy meal options to meet a variety of dietary needs.

The Meatloaf

When asked about popular meals, the team laughed and shared one crowd favorite. “While not exactly unusual, our made-from-scratch meatloaf had to overcome some hesitation at first, mainly due to the old “lunch lady” stigma that many remembered from school days,” they said. “But once they tried it, it became one of our most requested meals. The fresh ingredients and homemade flavor really changed minds.”

Menu for September 2025

A Day in the Kitchen

Each morning, the kitchen staff (two team members and one volunteer) spend several hours preparing, packaging, and organizing meals. The process includes cooking, portioning, labeling, and coordinating pickups. Three volunteer drivers deliver meals to homebound residents, while another volunteer manages the ACC curbside station, handing out lunches to participants who come to pick them up.

Altogether, it’s a well-orchestrated effort that takes hours of work and the dedication of both staff and volunteers to serve roughly 150 meals every day.

“Teamwork and consistency are key to making it all happen,” according to the ACC staff.

Amazing Volunteers

“All of our volunteers go above and beyond. Their dedication to the program is truly remarkable; they’re always willing to step in when extra help is needed, often without being asked,” staff emphasized, “like staying late to pack extra meals or coming in on short notice. Their commitment is what keeps this program running smoothly. It’s that kind of reliability and heart that makes our volunteer team so special and essential to our success.”

No Longer Needing to Cook

Staff often hear how much the program means to participants. “We often hear from customers who say they no longer cook for themselves,” one team member noted. “Having access to a hot, nutritious lunch each day makes a real difference in their lives.” Many also express gratitude not only for the meals but for the consistency and care that goes into providing them.

Anne Mock (volunteer) giving lunch to City Staff Member Ben Thomas

$5 A Meal. Get Yours Now!

The Curbside Lunch Program operates Tuesday through Friday. Meals are prepared by Chef Brenda Sullivan, cost $5 each, and are available for curbside pick-up or home delivery (for homebound San Carlos residents). Pickup runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

To view the monthly menu or place an order:
Order By Website: www.cityofsancarlos.org/lunch
Order By Phone: Call the Adult Community Center at (650) 802-4384
Orders must be placed by 5:00 p.m. the day before. Payment by credit card is taken over the phone when ordering.

Lunches frequently sell out – order early!

Continuing a Legacy of Care

As San Carlos continues to grow and change, the Curbside Lunch Program remains a steady reminder of what community means. The staff and volunteers take pride in knowing that a simple lunch can brighten someone’s day and make them feel remembered.

The program is funded in part by a grant from the Sequoia Healthcare District and continues to serve as a shining example of San Carlos care in action.

Dine-in option for the Curbside Lunch Program 

Sources:

• San Carlos Adult Community Center Staff Interview, October 2025
• City of San Carlos, “Adult Community Center Lunch Program,” cityofsancarlos.org/lunch
• Sequoia Healthcare District Grant Listings