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The Family Kitchen was started in 1986 during hard economic times in Oregon. Many Bend families were unemployed and in need of assistance. The founders of the Family Kitchen saw a need for a free community meal and created a program that continues to this day. The Family Kitchen started as an all volunteer organization and continues, twenty one years later, as an all volunteer organization.
Eleven churches participate either financially or through providing volunteer teams. These churches are:
Eastmont Church
First Baptist Church
Grace First Lutheran
First Presbyterian Church
First United Methodist Church
Nativity Lutheran Church
Oasis Church
Real Life Christian Church
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
Father’s House Church of God
Trinity Episcopal Church
The
Family Kitchen prepares meals six days a week and serves over four hundred meals a week. A hot nutritious dinner is served every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 PM. A sack lunch is prepared and distributed every Saturday at noon. These meals are served at Trinity Episcopal Church. A warm lunch is served every Monday Wednesday and Friday at Grace First Lutheran Church. The need is great and growing. During the coming year we anticipate adding another dinner meal to our weekly schedule.
We treat our patrons with respect and ask nothing from them except that they leave with a full stomach. After our guests are seated, our volunteers serve them restaurant style. Our guest are encouraged to take seconds and take out if they need it. We generally serve between four hundred and five hundred meals a week.
Currently the Family Kitchen is managed by a five person board. Board members meet at least once a month and are responsible for the financial, strategic and tactical operation of the program. Recently a trustee agreement was signed with Trinity Episcopal Church. This agreement places the Family Kitchen in a trustee relationship with Trinity Episcopal Church. The board expects to apply for non-profit status in the next three to five years.
Family Kitchen is totally dependent on the generosity of individuals, organizations and churches. We are able to serve all of our meals with a budget of $30,00 per year. We have seen our expenses and our workload go up in the past year. We are reaching a critical mass where volunteers cannot reasonable be expected to manage the workload. We anticipate hiring a part time employee in the coming year.
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