Suspended meal

A practice of paying for a meal for someone in need

Suspended meal

A suspended meal is a form of charitable giving where a customer pays in advance for an extra meal or drink, which can later be claimed by someone in need. This practice is rooted in the tradition of suspended coffee, which originated in Naples, Italy.

A sign in a café encouraging customers to pay it forward by purchasing a suspended meal.

History

The concept of suspended meals is believed to have started in the early 20th century in Naples, where it was known as "caffè sospeso" or "suspended coffee." The idea was that a person could pay for two coffees, one for themselves and one for someone who could not afford it. This tradition has since expanded to include meals and has spread to various parts of the world.

Implementation

In practice, a customer at a participating restaurant or café can choose to pay for an additional meal or drink, which is then recorded by the establishment. When someone in need comes in, they can ask if there are any suspended meals available and receive one without charge. This system relies on the honesty and goodwill of both the customers and the establishment.

Benefits

The suspended meal system provides several benefits:

• It allows individuals to help those in need in a direct and personal way.
• It fosters a sense of community and solidarity.
• It provides a dignified way for people in need to receive assistance without having to ask for charity directly.

Challenges

While the concept of suspended meals is noble, it faces several challenges:

• Ensuring that the meals reach those who truly need them.
• Maintaining the integrity of the system to prevent abuse.
• Encouraging more establishments to participate in the program.

Related pages

• Suspended coffee
• Pay it forward
• Charitable giving
• Community service