Geneva Community Lunch Program Brings Back Indoor Dining Option

The Geneva Community Lunch program has announced a return to inside dining as an option to provide meals. Beginning in 2020 the program provided free, nutritious meals five days a week in a to-go format. After a recent trial period, the program has begun offering participants the option to come indoors to enjoy a meal, get out of the weather, and experience some fellowship. Lunches are served Monday through Friday from 11:45 am to 12:15 pm at the United Methodist Church.

“We felt the time was right to open the doors and give those we serve an opportunity to come inside,” said program director Robert Vona. He continued, “While we have consistently provided meals to go, we also desire to offer the opportunity for community and fellowship amongst our participants.” The lunch program has seen a significant increase in the number of meals served since 2020. In 2022 nearly 18,000 meals were served to the community.

The Geneva Community Lunch program operates in partnership between Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes and the Geneva Interfaith Council. The First United Methodist Church has long been the home of the program providing the use of a dining area and kitchen. Teams of volunteers dedicate their time and efforts daily to help prepare meals.

Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes has served Ontario, Seneca, Cayuga, Yates, and Wayne Counties since 1982. It provides a range of social service and advocacy programs in response to its mission of serving people in need, especially children and families at risk, and advocating for social justice. To learn more about Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes please visit www.catholiccharitiesfl.org