17,201 Lunch-Time Meals to the Hungry in 4 Months

Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen is hoping for some holiday generosity from people who would like to donate to the soup kitchen.

“Donations are way down compared to this time last year,” notes West Side Kitchen Advisory Board Chair Darren Woods. “At the same time, we are serving more meals to the hungry. There is an uptick in the number of people coming to the soup kitchen.”

In August, September, October and November, volunteers prepared and served well over 4,000 meals per month for a four-month total of 17,201 lunch-time meals. That total number breaks down to 9,007 adults, 2,831 senior citizens, and 1,028 children.

The all-volunteer operation serves a hot lunch on weekdays and bag lunches on weekends. Named after parish daughter St. Marianne Cope, the soup kitchen has been in continuous operation since 2008.

Donations may be made online or mailed to Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen, c/o St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St., Utica 13502.