Springing Forward: A Season of Gratitude and Renewed Needs at the Community Kitchen

Welcome to Spring. It has been a busy winter. Many helpful people helping people. My appreciation to the many volunteers who have braved the cold, snow and rain to help us continue the mission of feeding our neighbors. Here comes the sun!!!!!

It's amazing how “God is already there.” We have been so blessed with volunteers and food during the winter months. From November 2023 thru February 2024 we have gotten 17,044 lbs. of food donated through FoodShare, 7,782 lbs. of food donated from MidWest Foodbank, and $10,713 in kind donations. We have served 5,654 lunches and 4,009 dinners. The need is great and food always seems to show.

The items we are always in need of are paper goods. If you or anyone you know is considering donating to the Community Kitchen, we can always use 8oz plastic cups, napkins, paper towels and toilet paper. These items help us run a smooth kitchen and are rarely recognized as essential kitchen needs. We can also use individually packaged, family size portions of proteins such as hamburger, chicken and other meats. At times, if our Food Cupboard is closed and there is a family presenting in need, or in case of emergencies such as home displacement due to fires or violence in the home, we prepare “Blessing bags/boxes”, depending on the size of the family.

In these bags and boxes we provide some meal items such as protein, pasta, fruits, veggies, drinks, desserts, etc. This is enough for a few meals until the families make other arrangements for food support. We are honored to be a part of helping others and although this is not our main focus, we will never let anyone go hungry.

Any items can be dropped off at the Community Kitchen 15 Prospect Street in Rockville Connecticut. As always, thank you in advance for your support.

Pat Kupec

Community Kitchen Administrator