Feeding ministry to begin next month

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WORTHINGTON — Westminster Presbyterian Church in Worthington will be the host site for a new feeding ministry set to begin in mid-January in the community to assist the homeless.

The Bread of Life feeding ministry will be offered as a noon meal once each week, either on Saturday or Sunday. Nearly half a dozen local groups and organizations have already offered to sponsor and prepare a meal, according to Jan Johnson Ojinnaka of the Nobles County Housing and Community Needs committee.

The first meal will be served either Jan. 17 or Jan. 18, and will include tomato soup and a cheese sandwich.

“We’re hoping that people are coming because they really need it,” Johnson Ojinnaka said.

Nichole Paladie, parish and community social action coordinator for the Worthington Deanery/Catholic Charities will serve as the volunteer coordinator for the feeding ministry.

A certified food handler is needed to oversee the preparation and train the volunteer coordinator and volunteers in proper food handling.

Johnson Ojinnaka said those who volunteer to prepare and serve a meal will need to supply the food, either by collecting donations from members of their group or by purchasing food from a local food shelf to prepare.

“There is going to be a cost for all who do this, but it’s a mission for this community,” she said.

While it is difficult to estimate just how many people will be served each week, Johnson Ojinnaka said they are estimating between 80 and 100 adults and children may be in need.

Those interested in volunteering their group to prepare and serve a meal may contact Paladie at Catholic Charities at 376-9757.

Tags: news, homeless, meals, giving, westminsterpresbyterianchurch, breadoflifeministrynoblescountyhousingandcommunityneedscommittee