The First Presbyterian Church's Monday Night Hot Meals Program, active since 2000, continues to serve its community by providing 80 to 100 meals weekly. This initiative is sustained by volunteers who prepare and serve the meals in the church’s Fellowship Hall, accommodating around 55 guests with a setting that includes china. Jan Watson, a long-time volunteer, noted that the hall is always full. About 60% of meals are consumed on-site, while the rest are packaged for take-out.
Volunteers express their commitment to the program through sentiments like "I feel good about helping" and "These folks have become our friends." The program fosters a sense of community, as highlighted by one guest who attends various hot meal events not just for food but for social interaction.
Before each meal at 5:30 p.m., guests gather in anticipation. A regular guest humorously quiets the room with a "mooo" sound before prayer is offered. The buffet line offers balanced meals, and many diners take extra portions home for others.
The program recently received a $2,000 grant from Food For The Hungry (FFTH), covering approximately 37% of its annual budget. Volunteers expressed gratitude for this support. Partnerships with local organizations like Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry provide additional resources such as ground venison processed by Oiler’s Meat Processing in Utica. Panera Bread also contributes surplus food to enhance the menu.
FFTH supports First Presbyterian Church as part of its mission to care for neighbors. The FFTH winter grant application opens on October 1 and closes on October 31 at noon. More information can be found at www.FoodForTheHungryCares.org.
