Willich Launches Comfort Meal to Support Those Grieving Over Shared Dinners

A new monthly event called the Comfort Meal (Trost-Mahlzeit) will launch in Willich on May 20. The initiative, inspired by local grief walks, offers a shared meal for anyone coping with loss. Organisers stress that registration is required to secure a place and ensure enough food for all attendees. The idea for the Comfort Meal grew from the existing grief walks, held every second Thursday in the Viersen District. These walks, led by Jürgen Kantchen and Michael Beckmann, encourage participants to talk openly while walking with others who have experienced loss. The same team—Judith Knipp, Britta Jartwig, Eva Gröger, Elke Griese, Katrin Richter, and Beckmann—now supports the meal project.

The first Comfort Meal will take place at the KRUMM Community Center in Willich on May 20, running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Katrin Richter, a qualified nutrition advisor, has designed a seasonal vegetarian menu for the evening. Dishes include green asparagus quiche, creamy kohlrabi soup, spinach salad with dates and almonds, and a strawberry dessert. Future meals will follow on the third Wednesday of each month, with dates set for June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18, and December 16. Each session costs €10 per person, covering ingredient costs. Registration is mandatory to avoid shortages and guarantee a seat.

The Comfort Meal provides a regular space for those grieving to connect over food and conversation. With a fixed monthly schedule and a focus on seasonal, vegetarian meals, the event aims to offer both nourishment and support. Organisers remind attendees to book in advance to ensure their place at the table.