Freehold lunch program marks 4th anniversary

FREEHOLD - This month, the Greater Freehold Area Open Door Lunch Program is celebrating its fourth anniversary serving meals to people in need in the community.

Starting in June 2003 as an offshoot of the successful Open Door Food Pantry under the guidance of the Freehold Clergy Association, this interdenominational group has grown in many ways over a few short years, according to a press release.

What began as humbly as an operation serving 35 people daily has grown to a four-day-a-week operation serving more than 48,000 meals in 2006.

Staffed by more than 50 dedicated volunteers and completely dependent on the generosity of the community, every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (Tuesdays added during peak season, December through March) those needing nourishment and comfort can find it in the Parish Hall of St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 33 Throckmorton St., no questions asked.

The kitchen can serve as many as 90 people at a time as one of the largest soup kitchens in Monmouth and Ocean counties and at peak periods during winter months, warm balanced meals are served to more than 250 people daily.

One kitchen volunteer, Linda, recently related that the volunteers' days often begin before 6 a.m. in preparation to accommodate the flow during operation which begins at 11:30 a.m. with group prayer and concludes at about 1 p.m.

"The meals are not the only benefit received by the clients," said Jay, another service volunteer. "Sometimes it is the comfort of warmth, but every day it is the comfort of camaraderie and socialization."

According to the press release, many people throughout the community have stepped in to help the mission, and the continuing involvement of scouts, churches, synagogues, families, individuals, clubs and other groups has been essential to the ongoing success of this commitment.

Although donations of food are primarily received through the food pantry, specific donations for the use of service and bulk ingredients are required especially for this operation, according to the press release. Because the number of people served has increased, as well as the costs of these essential items, there is an ongoing need for physical involvement, donations of specifics and charitable monetary contributions. All of these may be delivered to the Open Door, 39 Throckmorton St., Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and marked for the "Open Door Lunch Program."

All donations are tax deductible and receipts are provided on request. Donations may also be picked up by calling volunteer representatives Stan, (908) 902-0769, or Jim, (732) 299-8603.

The following is a list of bulk items needed by the Freehold Area Open Door Lunch Program on an ongoing basis:

+ Table supplies: 6-inch plates and bowls (plastic foam only), 8-ounce coffee cups (plastic foam only) and stirrers, plastic forks, knives and spoons, paper napkins and placemats; sugar, Sweet and Low packets, (1,500 to 3,000 box); individual salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard packets (cases), large ranch and Italian dressings (36 to 48 oz.), 39-ounce decaf coffee, gallon jugs of vinegar.

+ Cleaning supplies: Scotch Brite sponges, new dishtowels, Clorox bathroom cleaner, anti-bacterial liquid hand soap, dish detergent.

+ Spices and condiments (large size only): dried onion, garlic powder, dried basil, paprika, Italian mix, 24-ounce chicken and poultry rub.

+ Other essentials: Large and small deep aluminum trays, 18-inch foil, 500 feet, 18-inch plastic wrap, 4,500-square feet, 13-, 39- and 55-gallon trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, 1-gallon and 1-quart zipper storage bags.