United Way
of Cape May County

Comfort and joy served up at United Way’s hot lunch program

The holidays may be over, but every Thursday, the spirit of giving is still going strong at the United Way of Cape May County’s hot lunch program. With winter winds blowing outside, some county residents can barely afford the cost of housing and heating, and other necessities like food can be difficult to come by.

For some, the hot lunch served every Thursday in the First Baptist Church community room on Maple Avenue, is the only hot, nutritious meal they eat all week, and it’s a rare chance to relax with friends and enjoy their company.

“It’s more than just the meal,” executive director Suzanne Nardi said. “Our guests, who come to the weekly lunch, say over and over again how grateful they are that there are people in the community who care about them.”

A variety of religious, civic and business groups, as well as individuals, volunteer to help with the program each week. They plan a meal that includes salad and dessert, purchase the groceries and arrive together on the morning of the luncheon to prepare and serve it. And whether it is a church group, a civic group or a local business, those preparing and serving the meal inevitably come away from the luncheon with a strengthened sense of community.

“Volunteers tell me often how nice it is to work on a project with their friends and colleagues that brings such immediate comfort to others,” Nardi said.

Volunteer groups are scheduled to serve the lunch through the end of February, but there are still spots to fill in March and April. To find out more about how you and your friends and coworkers can help, call Nardi at 729-2002.

Filed under: Press Releases, Volunteer Opportunity

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