First Presbyterian’s Hot Meals Program celebrates 25 years of serving the community

Since its inception in 2000, the Monday Night Hot Meals Program at First Presbyterian Church has faithfully served the community with warm meals and warm hearts. Now in its 25th year, the program continues to provide 80–100 nutritious meals each week, prepared and served by a dedicated team of volunteers — primarily women, with the support of a few men — who give their time and talents to serve others.

The church’s Fellowship Hall is carefully set each week, complete with china, to accommodate around 55 guests. According to longtime volunteer and hostess Jan Watson, “It’s always full.” Approximately 60% of the meals are enjoyed in person, while 40% are packaged for take-out, ensuring that even those who can’t attend still receive a meal.

One guest shared that she attends “most of the different hot meals” in the area — not just for the food, but for the sense of community these gatherings foster.

When asked why they continue to serve, volunteers offered heartfelt responses: “I feel good about helping.” “There’s a need here, and I have the ability to meet it.” “These folks have become our friends.” “I love the camaraderie — the socialization between guests and staff.”

That spirit of unity is unmistakable. Even before the 5:30 p.m. dinner bell rings, guests gather in anticipation. A beloved tradition sees one regular guest hush the crowd with a humorous “mooo” sound, calling the room to silence before prayer is offered. Following the blessing, guests are invited to go through a buffet line featuring a rotating menu of balanced, nutritious meals.

Many of those who dine in also take extra meals home to share with neighbors or family members unable to attend in person.

According to Watson, the majority of guests experience some level of food insecurity, and the church serves anyone who walks through the door. A recent $2,000 grant from Food For The Hungry during the spring/summer funding cycle helped cover approximately 37% of the program’s annual operating budget.

To help stretch their resources, the program partners with local organizations such as Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, which provides ground venison processed by Oiler’s Meat Processing in Utica. Donations from Panera Bread also help round out the menu, as the restaurant shares its surplus with several community organizations.

FFTH is proud to support First Presbyterian Church and other Hot Meals programs as part of a shared mission: “Working Together To Care For Our Neighbors.”

The FFTH 2025 Winter Grant application process opened Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 8 a.m. and will remain open until Friday, Oct. 31, at 12 p.m. Applications submitted after 12 p.m. on Oct. 31 will not be accepted. 

To learn if your organization is qualified for a grant, visit www.FoodForTheHungryCares.org. The application information can be found on the home page or under the ‘Who We Help’ tab. 

To learn more, donate, or find photos, videos, and radio interviews from the 2024 Drive, visit www.FoodForTheHungryCares.org.