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Noon Meal Program |
 A
balanced meal. Good and hot food. Since 1983, The Salvation Army has
operated a Noon Lunch program for people who don’t have the
economic resources on their own to eat nutritious foods regularly
and those seeking fellowship. Each weekday, 150 to 250 individuals
walk, ride a bike, take the bus or drive to the Community Corps Center
at 626 Union Court in Green Bay for a hot meal.
In summer, attendance increases because children are home from school
and come with a parent.
Beginning about 7 a.m., two staff members and several volunteers help
prepare the day’s meal. The menus are planned ahead by The Salvation
Army staff on a monthly basis, so that food orders can be placed and
known-in-advance donations used. Occasionally the menu changes when
donations of perishable items are received, such as vegetables from
a garden or meat products. As
visitors open the doors to the Community Corps building, the smells
from the kitchen help set a tone of welcome. Family groups, singles
and sometimes friends arrive together, as lunchtime approaches,
many arriving in advance and waiting outdoors or in the hallway.
Knowing the
food is put out for serving promptly at 11:30 a.m., the client guests
walk the stairs or take the elevator down to the lower level lunch
room, where the tables are set for a pleasant meal. The dignity
of those who come as “guests” is honored.
A common meal:
vegetable soup, a 4-5 ounce portion of meat, noodles or potatoes,
a vegetable or two, bread and butter. Beverages of coffee, milk,
tea. Usually there is a dessert: fruit, gelatin, sometime ice cream.
Lunch is served until 12:30 p.m. After 12:15, if food remains, guests
are invited to have seconds.
Conversation
is important, though those who want to keep to themselves are not
forced to socialize. The Majors are frequently in attendance, moving
from table to table to share a few words of welcome and friendship.
Several times each month, special theme days are held. Volunteers
decorate the lunch room and provide entertainment. Those who have
birthdays in a given month share a designated day of celebration.
Birthday cake is served to all and each celebrant receives a modest
gift.
The number served
by this program has grown steadily and average nearly 5,500 meals
each month, or more than 65,000 annually.
Contact
us for more information.
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