With an upsurged in the number of COVID-19 cases in Oneida County, Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen returned to providing take-out meals only this past week, Interim Director Mike Pilat announced.

In the meantime, the late summer and fall seasons have seen an increase in the number of people coming to the soup kitchen, Mike reported.

A total of 3,706 meals were served in September, including dine in and take-out. It was up slightly from 3,695 in August.

October saw an increase of over 400, with 4,124 meals being served (dine in and take out). They included 2,887 adults, 907 senior citizens and 330 children.

West Side Boutique, which is open one day a week during the lingering pandemic, served 120 people in October, Outreach Coordinator Nancy Robert reported. Volunteers were able to provide blankets, towels, sheets. housewares and toiletries.