Petoskey Salvation Army opens doors for community meals on Fridays

— The Salvation Army of Petoskey kicked off its Community Meals program on Sept. 13 and many hungry neighbors received a warm nutritious meal.

The meals were made up of tender ham, macaroni and cheese, fresh green beans, a dinner roll and a slice of chocolate cake for dessert. Many community members and organizations helped make the meals possible.

The Graff family donated $150,000 to add a commercial kitchen while renovating the new Community Center. The kitchen was designed by Stafford Smith, Inc. and was installed by Grand Traverse Refrigeration.

The Petoskey Rotary "Noon" Club awarded a grant of $4,988 to purchase needed kitchen equipment and Huntington Bank provided a grant award of $5,000 for start-up food expenses.

The meals will continue to be served on Fridays from noon to 12:45 p.m. Round-trip transportation is provided from four centralized meeting points on the south side of town to make it easily accessible for those traveling on foot.

One route picks people up at the Bridge Street church near the homeless shelters, and another stop is located at the Petoskey Church of Christ at 11:45 a.m. The other route is designated for seniors and employs a bus with a lift for wheelchairs which picks up seniors at Harbor Village Apartments at 11:30 a.m. and at Riverview Terrace at 11:45 a.m.

The Salvation Army began delivering meals during the COVID-19 pandemic when all congregate meals stopped to ensure those served were still being fed. Through delivery services, The Salvation Army found many more mobility-challenged residents in need which more than doubled its meal count to well over 150 each week; however, seniors lost the critical socialization piece which helps them to sharpen their cognitive skills and prevent dementia like Alzheimer's.

Due to the importance of socialization, the goal was to eventually be able to host congregate meals again to provide fellowship opportunities, not only for seniors but also for other lonely individuals and low-income families trying to stretch their food budgets.

Once things finally began opening post-pandemic, The Salvation Army was already in the process of locating a new facility that would not only accommodate those it served but also have a commercial kitchen that would allow them to prepare the meals.

Preparing meals on-site eliminates the need to rely on a third party for program operations and reduces expenses. Finally, after years of patient searching, renovating and relocating to a new Community Center, they can open their doors and hearts to the Petoskey community once more.

Although Community Meals are being served, The Salvation Army will continue its meal delivery service to those who are mobility impaired and unable to come to the Community Center every Friday.

To donate, please visit us online at SAPetoskey.org ., stop by the Community Center Office or mail checks to The Salvation Army of Petoskey located at 2350 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey, MI 49770.

Donations are accepted at The Salvation Army Thrift Store located at 1615 Clarion Ave. in Petoskey. Proceeds support local programs and services.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.