Hot lunch program draws
plaudits in Freehold Boro
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer
JEFF GRANIT staff Jim Benedict puts a tray of ziti into the oven as he helps to prepare the hot lunch being offered at St. Peter’s Church, Freehold Borough, twice a week.
FREEHOLD — The borough now has a location that is offering a hot meal to anyone who would like one every Monday and Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Through the generosity of the Open Door food pantry, which funds the program, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Throckmorton Street, which hosts the lunches, more than 100 people have been enjoying nutritious meals since June.
The hot lunch program had what the Rev. Frank Hebert, pastor of St. Peter’s, called its inaugural lunch on Sept. 17. Helping to celebrate the event were local officials and members of the clergy.
John Nesci, president of the Board of Trustees of Open Door, introduced the guest speakers who came to join in the celebration.
State Senate Co-President John O. Bennett (R-Monmouth) attended the function and told the invited guests he is proud of the work Open Door has down over the last 16 years for the Freehold community. He also praised the work of the Freehold Clergy Association over the years, stating that the "Freehold clergy has put its resources together and taken care of others less fortunate. It really is true that every day we can make a difference."
Monmouth County Freeholder Ted Narozanick told the guests he was honored to be invited and referred to a reference in the Bible.
"Behold, a sower who went forth to sow," Narozanick quoted.
"You have dramatically expressed that sentiment here today," he told all who were involved in the project. "You have had an opportunity to help our fellow man. This is a great example of this in our own community."
Jeanne Yaecker, the director of Open Door, called it a "great day." She said that in the nine years she has been with Open Door, she has heard it said many times by many people that the borough needed a soup kitchen.
"Everyone asked for one but no one ever said, ‘Let me help you do it,’ not until now, that is," she said.
Yaecker said the idea for the soup kitchen now in operation goes to two male Open Door volunteers who have insisted on remaining anonymous. Yaecker said the men came to her and said, ‘"We want to serve a hot meal."
Before this, there was no daytime hot food program, although St. Peter’s has hosted a Friday night hot meal for some time.
The Monday and Wednesday lunches are the work of volunteers "in front of the scenes and behind the scenes," according to Yaecker.
Hebert said the church board initially approved the proposal for a soup kitchen for a six-month trial period.
"We’re happy to say that we are into month four and the church board has decided to renew early and extend the program for one more year," he announced, adding that the program is an example of a community coming together to care for its own. "We put aside all our barriers to do this and we are privileged to sponsor the program."
Freehold Borough Councilman Robert Crawford represented the Borough Council and Freehold Township Mayor Raymond Kershaw represented the Township Committee.
According to Yaecker, the weekly hot lunches include items like turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, rice and pasta. Salad and sandwiches are available, along with fruit salad, cookies, pastries and cake.
Although much of the food comes from the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties , Yaecker said local restaurants have contributed to the program as well.