Press Release:
The Friendly Kitchen Celebrates Grand Opening of New Family-Friendly Meals Prep Kitchen with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Concord, NH – November 13, 2024 – Today in Concord community leaders, funders, volunteers and donors of The Friendly Kitchen all gathered for a celebratory ribbon cutting of a new space. Construction on the nonprofit’s main building has been underway for the past year. Crews added offices, additional storage, and an all-important new prep kitchen to house The Family Friendly Meals Program. This expansion will help The Friendly Kitchen continue its mission to serve more individuals and families in need.
Founded in 1980, The Friendly Kitchen has long been a vital community resource, serving hot meals to those facing hunger. In 2021, the organization introduced the Family Friendly Meals Program, providing family-sized portions of nutritious meals to local families and seniors. With the opening of the new kitchen, The Friendly Kitchen can now prepare more meals to support its mission and further extend its reach through its partnerships with area agencies.
Among those who played a vital role in this project coming together are Jonathan Halle of Warren Street Architects and JH Spain General Construction Management. Colin Spain was on hand for the ceremony, he talked about what it meant for his crew to work on such an important project, “The purpose that The Friendly Kitchen serves is great with so many dependent on them for their daily meals. Meals that are served with compassion and respect. The impact that the Friendly Kitchen has on our community is truly remarkable.” said Spain.
Concord Mayor Byron Champlin was on hand to assist in the ribbon cutting. He noted that The Family Friendly Meals program is vital to the health and well-being of the community. “The Friendly Kitchen is symbolic of Concord's compassion toward those struggling with life's challenges” said Champlin. He added “Importantly, its family food program helps financially stressed families stay in their homes, ensuring that other economic pressures don't prevent them from receiving nutritious meals."
The Boys and Girls Club of Central New Hampshire is one of several community partners. Executive Director Chris Emond spoke at the event saying, “The Friendly Kitchen’s commitment to our partnership at the Boys & Girls Club has provided several of our families with nutritious meals that are ready to heat up and serve. This is a tremendous benefit for our kids.”
The Friendly Kitchen board member Tori Berube has a legacy of working with The Friendly Kitchen, both her mother and grandmother were volunteers. Every Sunday Tori volunteers for the Family Friendly Meal Program, she told the group. “I have seen the impact this program has on families, and I am grateful for that opportunity.”
Berube talked about the Capital Campaign currently underway to fund the $500,000 project, adding that the organization is more than halfway to the goal thanks to the generosity of foundations including Cogswell Benevolent Trust, Oleanda Jameson Trust, Merrimack County Savings Bank, Lincoln Financial Group, Bangor Savings Bank, Northeast Delta Dental and various individual donors. The organization also announced an anonymous family has generously offered a $100,000 challenge grant through the NH Charitable Foundation, the goal is to match up to 10 donations of $10,000.
Contributions to the campaign are still being accepted, with plans for a mural recognizing donors who have supported the initiative. To learn more about The Friendly Kitchen, its programs, or how to contribute to the capital campaign, visit www.friendlykitchen.org. To learn more about how to make a donation to the Capital Campaign you can contact Executive Director Valerie Guy, email Valerie@thefriendlykitchen.org, or call 603.224.7678.
About The Friendly Kitchen:
The Friendly Kitchen is a nonprofit organization based in Concord, NH, that provides free, hot meals to people experiencing hunger or food insecurity. Since 1980, the organization has served the community by offering meals, resources, and a welcoming environment for those in need. The Family Friendly Meals Program, which provides family-sized portions of nutritious meals, is one of the organization’s most important initiatives.
