While most University of Rhode Island students spend their weekends studying or relaxing, third-year neuroscience student Lucas Johnson is busy gathering volunteers for his non-profit organization, Sandwich Party Sunday.
On Sunday mornings, the organization distributes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the unhoused at Mathewson Street Church in Providence, R.I.
Johnson founded Sandwich Party Sunday after being inspired by his father, who owned a cafe in 2017.
“I would love to say that it was my own idea and that I am a smart guy,” Johnson said. “My dad actually did it for a couple of years before COVID happened. I never thought much of it until my junior year of high school and I was figuring out what I wanted to do in life.”
After a difficult high school experience, Johnson started Sandwich Party Sunday in the summer of 2023 with a goal of personal growth.
“I started it up at the end of my junior year,” Johnson said. “I wanted to do it to feel better about myself. One of the ways I could improve myself was to have better hobbies. I spent $500 to get tables, tents and all the supplies to make lunch bags. From there, I did it every single Sunday.”
During the first three years of the non-profit, Sandwich Party Sunday only fed people experiencing homelessness during the summer months. It is now a full-year program, according to Johnson.
Johnson said organizing Sandwich Party Sunday requires a team. One of the most helpful team members is the organization’s paid employee, Imani Walters.
“I am huge on teamwork,” Johnson said. “I never try to put everything on myself, I connected to Imani through this med-tech program that I did. She experienced homelessness in Providence for over 10 years. Now she has been housed for over 10 years, she has a lot of experience out on the street.”
Imani’s connection to the community has strengthened the organization, according to Johnson.
Johnson also works with Keith Ranaldi, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at URI’s Library’s Innovation Labs.
“She knows a lot of the people,” Johnson said. “It’s great for the community and me and Keith have dedicated time to meet once a week. Running a non-profit is a big portion of my life.”
Johnson admits that managing his personal life remains a challenge, as he navigates balancing Sandwich Party Sunday alongside family responsibilities.
“A lot of people look at me like I’m this upstanding individual who cares about everything else but himself,” Johnson said. “But my mom has had a lot of struggles this past year. I have a big family, so it’s hard to spend time with them. It’s a constant balance, I always try my best and that’s all we can ever do.”
Johnson has realized through reading that programs like this are all about attitude. The more energy people bring, the more lives can be impacted.
“Everyone in this world affects everyone,” Johnson says. “I’ve realized that our homeless community especially in Providence is saturated in these negative beliefs and negative thoughts, and it goes out towards the other communities. The goal is to create more positivity within those communities.”
Once Johnson graduates URI, he plans to help others find their pursuit of happiness.
“Everyone has the opportunity to create a joyful life,” Johnson said. “Every single moment of every single day can be a beautiful thing. My goal is to help people that a simple conversation can have a real impact on the world.”
Johnson encourages anyone who is interested in volunteering or becoming involved with his organization to visit his website, where his contact information can be found.
“It’s easy, we go to the same spot, same time, same day, every single week,” Johnson said.
Even if you can’t physically attend, there are many ways to become involved within the program, according to Johnson.
“I know physical presence is hard and donating money is not easy,” Johnson said. “If you have an extra can of peanut butter, it not only feeds people but gives people an opportunity to live a more positive life, and it makes a difference.”
Johnson feels he is embracing independence and personal growth.
“At this point in my life, I’m starting to venture off into my own things,” Johnson said.“ I want to be able to tell myself that I fully lived in those moments, and I can look back and have good memories.”
The organization will meet at Mathewson Street Church in Providence to distribute sandwiches at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
