When refugee families arrive in Gainesville, GGIC ensures that the first night in their new home includes something familiar and comforting: a culturally-appropriate, home-cooked dinner waiting on the table.

Prepared with care by local volunteers or donated by community restaurants like La Cocina de Abuela, each welcome meal reflects not only the incoming family’s culture but also the solidarity of the city that now surrounds them. Whether it’s Afghani Kabuli pulao, Venezuelan arepas, or hearty beans and rice, the aroma greets families before they even take off their shoes. Children smile. Parents exhale. The walls feel less foreign.

Gainesville becomes home, one bite at a time.

GGIC, nos recibió con alegría, nos invitaron a cenar en familia a un lugar de comida venezolana, fue maravilloso poder compartir con gente hermosa y volver a probar la sazón de platillos de nuestra tierra de origen, valoramos y atesoramos con especial sentimiento de agradecimiento este gesto hacia nuestra familia.

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GGIC welcomed us with joy and invited us to a family dinner in restaurant with Venezuelan food. It was marvelous to be able to share with beautiful people and to taste the flavor of dishes from our land of origin again. We value and treasure this gesture towards our family with special dearness.