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the last three years.

“That gives you a sense of how many people are on the cusp of really needing help,” Sidman said.

As of last week, the exact number of meals MBT had served was 6,645,877.

My Brother’s Table serves meals without seeking or receiving federal, state or local funding. This is done to ensure privacy of the guests, in keeping with the mission focus of unconditional love and respect.

As of last week, the organization had been open for 13,000 consecutive days, thanks to staff, volunteers and donations.

“That was the amazing thing about the pandemic,” Sidman said. “We had record-breaking fundraising as people were keeping up with what we were doing, recognizing it had a direct impact, and they knew (donations) were going to a good place.”

Sidman has interviewed some of those donors in videos to share on social media and said speaking with younger volunteers is a highlight of his work with the Table.

“There are so many negative stories in the world, and it’s heartwarming, positive and very optimistic that kids are this thoughtful this young,” he said, citing the example of two Swampscott youngsters who made masks during lockdown and donated all the proceeds to MBT.

Currently, meals are still being provided without the benefit of the original setup, which a`llowed guests to sit down and socialize for a bit. Guests can take to-go meals or visit four food stations.

MBT recently received a grant from Mass. General Brigham, which will be used to improve the cafeteria space. Sidman and the board are looking forward to reviving the social aspect of sitdown meals while keeping guests, staff and volunteers safe.

The soup kitchen began in 1982 after one of the founders looked out the window and saw people cooking a can of beans on a trash can and thought, “This isn’t okay.”

More than six million meals later, the focus on dignity and caring with love remains, Sidman said.

Sidman would also like people to know that MBT’s guests may not be who they think they are.

“I would really encourage people to broaden their minds about who we are serving,” he said, adding MBT guests include working professionals, college students and families experiencing food insecurity.

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To learn more about donating or volunteering for My Brother’s Table, visit mybrotherstable.org.