WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – As cold weather sets in to stay for the season, the Watertown community is providing free meals.
On the menu at Emmanuel Congregational Church Thursday night, chicken and biscuits, and salad.
“This year we’re doing community dinners, and anybody that needs some grub, we feed them,” said Steph Russell, who is on the Board of Missions at the church.
The dinners started last winter. An opportunity to give those without a home, a warm plate to beat the cold temperatures.
One man who was grabbing a bite says he’s appreciative of the of the the work this church does, and hopes more people will take advantage.
“They’re not just homeless people. They are people you get to know, and you become friends with some of them,” said Lay Minister Joanne Nugent-Ward.
This winter, the community dinners are open to anyone who wants a taste of food, and friendship.
“It’s not only to feed the belly, it’s to feed the soul,” Russell said. “You can have nice conversations, hang out, meet your neighbors. It’s great!”
The dinners are scheduled Monday through Friday, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The menu varies.
“I know there’s tacos tomorrow night. I’m making mac and cheese next week,” Nugent-Ward said.
You can also get dinners to-go, and leftovers are sent to the Salvation Army’s warming center. It opened earlier this month.
The church always welcomes volunteers and donations. The dinners will continue through the end of April.
For more information you can visit the church’s Facebook page here, email emmanuelmob@outlook.com, or call (315) 408-5414.
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