Couple Who Made Framingham Better in 2015: David and Alicia Blais

In early 2012, David and Alicia Blais had just closed their business in East Walpole, and opened Foodie Cafe on Fountain Street in Framingham, serving homemade soups and sandwiches and delicious cupcakes

But soon afterwards, the couple realized their was a bigger mission in Framingham than selling food at their cafe. There were hundreds of people in Framingham hungry for a warm meal.

The couple set out to end hunger in the largest town in America.

Thus, Daniel’s Table was formed. The project is named after their son who died at birth in 1995. The couple also have a daughter in her 20s, who got married last year.

When the couple started serving meals from a food trailer in some of Framingham’s low-income neighborhoods, they were serving 50 meals a week.

By July 2015, they were averaging more than 500 meals a week, making them one of the largest providers of free hot meals in town.

Daniel’s Table is funded by the couple, and through donations from the community.

But they have received some help along the way, from a few organizations and companies, too.

In May, the Greater Boston Food Bank began working with Daniel’s Table.

In August, the food bank gave more than 50 pounds of ground turkey, 60 pounds of cheese, cereal, applesauce and more to Daniel’s Table; and continues to support the couple’s cause.

But the need still grows and so does the inspiring couple’s vision to end hunger in Framingham.

“Because the need in Framingham is 20,0000 to 30,0000 meals a month, we have to grow and grow quickly,” wrote the couple of Daniel’s Table’s website. “For every child we feed there are 5 more that go to bed hunger because we do not have the resources right now to reach them.”

David wrote in early November:

“It’s dark as we pull into the parking lot of a south Framingham apartment complex. Our flashing lights dance off the buildings as I slowly roll down the window and start to count 1,2,3. Out of the darkness you hear the chorus of screaming kids ’The food truck is here, the food truck is here.’ By the time I pull in and get ready 50-60 children are lined up laughing, screaming and just being kids. Are all of these kids in desperate need of a warm meal? No, probably not. What I do know is somewhere in this jostling energy packed crowd a child is getting the only meal available to them tonight. On the menu tonight - baked chicken sandwich ... 20 minutes and 73 meals later I pull away, my day and night complete.”

That same month, the couple paid off their $40,000 6-foot by 8-foot food trailer.

The purple and green painted trailer stands out when it visits neighborhoods. On the trailer is the quote: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

David and Alicia are now trying to raise funds for a second $40,000 food trailer.

Eventually, they would like a handful of trailers to service Framingham and MetroWest, and then become the largest server of hot meals in Eastern Massachusetts.

Also in November, Clear Channel Communications donated two billboards to Daniel’s Table. One states “Every child deserves to dream without the nightmare of hunger.”

And in November, Foodie Cafe began selling its special blend of coffee by the bag to help feed kids.

The organically grown, free trade coffee special blend is $10.99 a bag or 2 for $20.

“Every bag sold will help us provide 5 meals to those of us who lack the “needs” in life,” said David.

The selfless couple volunteer their time to the mission to end hunger, by making, packaging, and serving warms meals weekly.

They have spoken at several churches in Framingham and MetroWest t garner more support. They have had Girl Scout troops volunteer and donate money.

Every day, dozens upon dozens of Framingham children go to bed not hungry, because of their efforts.

For that reason, David and Alicia Blais are Framingham Patch’s Couple Who Made Framingham Better in 2015.

Editor’s Note: Originally, we planned to honor David as the Man Who Made Framingham Better and Alicia as the Woman, but it just seemed fitting that the caring and compassionate couple are the first couple honored in Framingham Patch’s 5 year history.

But what the couple needs in 2016 is for more of the community to get involved with their mission. They are always in need of volunteers, but more importantly donations to increase the number of meals they provide each month.

They have raised $6,085 towards a new food truck.

To make a donation, click here.

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Some photos courtesy of Daniel’s Table Facebook page.