Supper’s On: Rochester Feeding Program Expands

For more than 20 years the Rochester Salvation Army has served a free lunch to area residents in need.

As of May 8, add “free dinners” to that description.

In response to growing community need, the Rochester Salvation Army and two of its volunteers have partnered to offer evening meals every Monday and Friday at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). Anybody is welcome, no questions asked.

It’s only been a month, and already more than 50 people a night are enjoying the program’s spaghetti, chicken, burgers and other “good meals with substance,” said volunteer coordinator Jeff Urban. 

The new initiative was spearheaded by volunteers Bob and Bunny Yanish. In addition to organizing volunteers and cleaning up after each meal, the couple both purchases and prepares all the food.

“We have had it on our hearts for a long time to serve a meal to people in need,” Bob Yanish said. 

To help manage the new endeavor, the couple has enlisted the support of volunteers from their church, New Life Worship Center. 

“We are really blessed to have so many supportive churches and individuals in our community,” said Major James Frye, administrator of the Rochester Salvation Army. “These evening meals are meeting physical, social and emotional needs of our area residents.”

More Rochester news: Free concert
On Sunday, June 7 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. the Rochester Salvation Army will hold an outdoor band concert. The event will feature the Rochester Citadel Band, Praise Team, puppets, kids’ choir and Songsters.

The concert will be held outside The Salvation Army’s old Thrift Store at 115 First Ave NE.  In case of rain, the concert will be moved inside.

There is there is no fee for the concert and anybody is welcome. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Bring a lawn chair, and come out to enjoy great live music!

For more information call 507-288-3663.