The week against loneliness is in full swing. Activities are also on the program in Haarlemmermeer, this is an attempt to bring people closer together. For example, there is eating and walking together in Hoofddorp. “It is very nice,” says a woman at the black-eatery table in Floriande.
Every Wednesday, local residents join for a joint meal at Cafetaria Verhage on Almkerkplein. The first visitors drip in from half past five. A chat is made, a cup of coffee is poured and then eaten together.
“I think eating at home alone,” says one of the participants. “Here it is much nicer, you meet new people.”
Very lonely, a bit lonely or not lonely: everyone is welcome at the black-eatery table, emphasizes social broker Judy de Leeuw of welfare organization added value. “It is very accessible. People don’t have to register. You just join and participate. It’s not about the food itself, but about the meeting.”
Verhages manager Janneke Roubos sees the initiative as a way to give something back to the neighborhood. “We think it is important that our business is not only a place to eat, but also to come together. This fits very well. We are here as a community center.”
Those who want to sit down at the black-eatery table is welcome every Wednesday from 5.30 pm at Verhage in the Floriande shopping center. The meal starts at 6 p.m.