Salvation Army plans to expand on free lunch in September

On Wednesday a crew of volunteers was busy at the Salvation Army in Westville preparing a lunch.

It’s something they’ve been doing once a month for about a year and a half. It is open to anyone in the community who needs a good meal and some company. There is no cost for the meal. This Wednesday’s lunch was the last for the summer, but it is expected to open up again in September, and due to the popularity of the program, the Salvation Army is looking to expand it to twice a month.

“We recognize in Westville there is a need for a program like this to help relieve hunger and poverty in the Westville area,” said Dion Durdle,

He said there are a lot of reasons why they feel this lunch program is important including the opportunity for people to sit down to a hot meal that’s been prepared for them.

“We have a number of seniors that come,” he said. “They find comfort in not just the meal but the fellowship as well.”

Durdle said the program is a success because of the volunteers who dedicate their time to help. They’re also thankful for discounts from retailers and donations for the community that enables them to provide the meals.

Jenny Vacheresse has been volunteering since the program started and says she enjoys it.

“We meet a lot of people and have a lot of fun. We have fun when we’re doing it.”

The lunches give them an opportunity to meet new people and share with them about other programs.

“We try to make the luncheons something people will enjoy,” she said.