By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
In November, the Cazenovia Friendship Inn will return to the Methodist/Summit Church at 21 Lincklaen St.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative will provide free, take-out meals to community members on Monday nights from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
“Anyone who can get to the Methodist/Summit Church building can receive these free meals,” said Friendship Inn Supervisor Duane Moore. “They are served on a first-come, first-served basis. We have always fed all who came previously.”
According to Moore, the Friendship Inn arose from a 2011 discussion at Common Grounds.
“Members of the Summit Church, led by Pastor Dan Schallmo, were in a conversation with the director of food services at SUNY Morrisville,” Moore said. “The same program used excess food from Morrisville to feed others in that village.”
Prior to the pandemic, the weekly meals were served indoors and were offered year round, when possible.
The Friendship Inn does not offer meals on national holidays or when school is closed due to snow. Summer service is dependent upon the resources received.
Starting Nov. 9, meals will be available for takeout service only following the New York State guidelines for non- profit food service.
“When we seat people indoors we use two to three volunteers in the kitchen [and] four or five to buffet serve and clean up,” Moore said. “[When we switch to takeout], our need for financial help will increase and the number of volunteers will remain the same until we can resume indoor service.”
In previous years, the Cazenovia United Methodist Church, the Summit Church, St. James Roman Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the First Presbyterian Church, the Cazenovia Rotary Club, and various families and individuals provided financial and volunteer assistance.
Cazenovia College student Jackie Gamlen started volunteering when she was a student at Cazenovia High School.
“I became involved with the Friendship Inn when I was in 11th grade,” she said. “My grandfather suggested I volunteer to give an extra hand. I am a member of the Methodist Church and have known each church member all my life, and I enjoy meeting new people in the community. Volunteering at the Friendship Inn is gratifying, engaging, and an environment full of support for all community members.”
Moore said he hopes to see the community support continue this year.
“It is also important to note that the excess food donated graciously from Cazenovia College may not be as available as it was in the past until we all get past this pandemic . . .” he said. “In this time of unemployment, COVID closure and higher grocery prices, we feel that we may be serving even more people than we have previously, and no one should go hungry when there is free food available.”
To learn more about the Friendship Inn and volunteering, visit friendshipinns.org.
