Over 100 people walked into St. Peter’s Kitchen on Tuesday afternoon to either enjoy a hot lunch, pick up a meal for their loved ones, or shop at the food pantry.
When people first walk in they are greeted by Amy Mincer, who leads the lunch and pantry program operations. Not only does she greet people, she is able to identify their needs.
“I worked as an outreach worker for seven years prior to doing this job and seeing people from one kitchen to another; I know most don’t have money for the bus, so they walk,” Mincer said. “I start at people’s feet and make my way up, I’ve seen people with absolutely no soles and they’re walking with socks or their bare feet in this weather, so to me shoes are important.”
The kitchen is open for lunch anytime between 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. Executive officer Bob Boyd says they have a massive amount of people who come in for lunch.
“We have a lunch program and a pantry program and to give you a sense of who comes to lunch, 96% of the people who come are housed but the condition of the housing is a totally different story,” Boyd said. “Around 40% of the people that come are seniors and 30% are veterans.”
Boyd also mentioned how they provide meals to two shelters, serving 43 breakfasts, 43 lunches and 43 dinners in addition to what is served during their own lunch program. “The shelters come pick up the meals and serve it to their guests,” Boyd said.
The program receives food from Foodlink, a Rochester-based nonprofit food bank, and three Wegmans that donate food to the kitchen.
Boyd said they have volunteers who come to help serve lunch and help in the food pantry.
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Serving healthy lifestyles
Boyd stressed the importance of focusing on food insecurity when providing food to the public.
“Food insecurity means that you don’t have an appropriate quantity or mix of type of food to live a healthy lifestyle, so families may have food but it may not be healthy food,” Boyd said. “To live a healthy lifestyle you need a mix of proteins, fruits and vegetables.”
People receive a Styrofoam container containing protein, carbohydrates, fruit, and vegetables for lunch. They are also offered a dessert and beverage. They can eat at the facility or take out.
St. Peter’s Kitchen has also operated a food pantry program since 2018. The pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
People with limited incomes or individuals who receive benefits can make an appointment to shop for groceries, such as canned goods, frozen meats, dry pasta, produce, snacks, condiments, and other essential items like eggs, milk, and flour.
“The pantry usage is up almost 300% from last year, the needs are really just exploding, we have a lot of seniors and working families with kids and they just don’t have enough,” Boyd said.
Even though the needs are increasing, Boyd makes sure the pantry is stocked with fresh and healthy food for people to have.
Creating change in different ways
St. Peter’s Kitchen also offers seasonal programs to enhance lives in the community. During mid-December the facility hosts a toy store where people can shop for toys for their children and loved ones.
They accept toy donations for children ages 0-12 and blankets, books, and children’s coats. Families can take several toys for however many children they have, making sure every child has a Christmas gift for the holiday.
For more information about St. Peter’s Kitchen, visit https://www.stpeterskitchen.org/.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County. Get in touch at [email protected].