Keeseville Good Shepherd Church to open 'Hope Kitchen'

KEESEVILLE | In a world that revolves around money, money, money -- and where grift; cheating; competition; backstabbing; lies; meanness; self-promotion; power; egoism; egotism; narcissism; conflict and wars are common, it sure is nice to know there are oases that serve as an antidote to these vices, often venues of spirituality. The people of the Keeseville Good Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, its denomination which contributed funding for the meals and Lead Pastor Noelle Eichenberger are exactly that. For them, it's all about giving and helping, not taking, sans any self-serving purpose. Pending certification by the Clinton County Health Department expected by summer's end, the church's Keeseville Hope Kitchen will be providing free meals for everyone, regardless of income, Fridays from 4-7 p.m. at 124 Hill Street, Keeseville. The hours are timed to dovetail with parents picking up their kids at the nearby daycare or school. But it's much more than a free meal. Eichenberger, who has been with the church and its lead pastor since February 2020, says it's a "three-pronged approach--eat, educate and empower. The eat prong is about "meeting a basic need for anyone who needs it. Everyone needs to eat" and having a "community supper… There's something about sitting down at a table" with strangers, to build connections in the community and foster relationships. To share a meal together and put aside superficial differences. It's an opportunity to meet people and put preconceived notions away and become friends." Everyone is called upon to feed the hungry and sick and to love one another. We can't solve all the world's problems. "If we focus on all, it's overwhelming." But we can give a healthy hearty meal and minimize food insecurity. Eichenberger says the second prong is education. The church intends to hold cooking classes, with assistance from other organizations and community members, to instruct people about nutrition and to feed and cook for themselves, especially with locally grown foods. Locally grown food is healthier because it is unprocessed, so people have more control over what they are eating because they are cooking it themselves. She also views purchasing locally grown food as a means toward sustainability, including less waste and improving the nearby economy. Classes will also teach folks canning to preserve food. And she says the third prong is to empower. The church intends to rent its kitchen at a low price to food-based entrepreneurs who don't have access to one large enough to manufacture their own food products to sell, such as pies or to provide catering services. "It's an opportunity to start a business and feed themselves in a way." It is perhaps for people "looking to start over financially," are unemployed or recently released from prison. She says she is partially motivated in these three endeavors because "I grew up poor, but we never went hungry because mom knew how to cook and she taught her children how to cook." The Keeseville Hope Kitchen will fund the meals partially with donations. To donate to this nonprofit, visit its Facebook page and click on the giving link on the left. You may also choose to purchase an item from the church's Amazon.com wish list. To donate directly to the church itself, visit the Keeseville Good Sheperd Church of the Nazarene Facebook page and click on the giving link on the left. Or come out for a great meal, dine with friends and family, perhaps meet new ones and donate then.

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Keeseville Good Shepherd Church to open 'Hope Kitchen'

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