The Dinner

program enlists the aid of over 200 volunteers each month. These volunteers come from many Lancaster and Fairfield County churches, organizations, businesses and industries. The Foundation Dinners provides an opportunity for these volunteers to contribute to the needs of many poverty-stricken families and individuals in Fairfield County. These volunteers also become part of the broadcast system which informs the local area of the presence of homelessness in our affluent community.

All of the operating funds for the dinner program are derived locally from the generous contributions of churches, individuals, businesses and The United Way. Unlike The Foundation Shelters, there are three part-time employees who manage the kitchen operation. The intensity of this job is such that it cannot be conveniently accomplished by a volunteer. A part-time employee works 3.5 hours each day. All other workers at The Foundation Dinners are volunteers. The food is donated to us on a regular basis by The Fairfield Medical Center, Kroger, The Mid-Ohio Foodbank, The Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Pizza Hut. Many individuals and restaurants are other sources that donate on a non-regular basis. The operating expenses include all of the occupancy costs, miscellaneous kitchen supplies, maintenance, kitchen tools, and part-time employee wages.

Interested, responsible, compassionate and caring men, women and children donate their time. Some volunteer once a month and some twice or more, filling our calendar each and every month. They serve as cooks, dish washers, servers and janitors. They manage the serving of a dinner every day of the year at 4:30 P.M. They are reaching out to touch those who many consider to be untouchable. The basic financial needs of these disadvantaged families and individuals are being relieved as many caring people come to serve these meals.

The program continually seeks the interest of even more local volunteers to help in the kitchen of The Foundation Dinners.