Community Lunch Program served 2,168 meals in 2014

     The Johnson Community Lunch enjoyed another successful year in 2014.  The photo above features Tom Fondakowski of Sodexo Food Services and Rick Aupperlee of Laraway's School to Work Program presenting Marion Taylor a check for $1,067.90 for the Johnson Food Shelf.  The lunch program, hosted at the United  Church of Johnson, served 2,168 meals during 2014.
     With food donated by Sodexo, which holds a food service contract at Johnson State College,and an army of volunteers, the program continues to grow in numbers served.  Among the volunteers are Laraway youth who gain valuable work skills by carting, prepping and serving the meals. Fondakowski, spotting the particular culinary enthusiasm of a Laraway youth, actually hired him to work part-time at the college.  That youth is now dual enrolled at NECI and his high school's culinary arts program.
     Local residents enjoy food---and fellowship---while eating delicious meals served every other Wednesday.  Donations from diners formed the basis of the check presented to the Johnson Food Shelf.  This qualifies as a win:win endeavor with good food, good company, and a great cause!  Thank you to all who support this initiative.