THE LUNCH PLACE ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATION COMING SOON WITH EXPANDED COMMUNITY SERVICES
By Robb Helfrick
Over the course of four decades, The Lunch Place has established a reputation for compassion and care in Waynesboro. This non-profit organization recently announced an upcoming move to a new location, where it will offer expanded hours and services to the community.
“We’re excited about the move,” Denise Esser said. Esser is President of The Lunch Place’s Board of Directors. The organization began in 1990 and has served over one-third of a million meals in Waynesboro.
Their base of operations during those years was the Christ United Methodist Church, which graciously gave The Lunch Place a space to host people in need. The partnership has been beneficial, but The Lunch Place explored other options recently, due to having only a one-hour window to serve lunches at the current location. “We’ve been working on it for a couple of years,” Esser said, about finding a new location.
They rented a space near Waynesboro Community and Health Services last year (but did not move into it), thinking that location might be the answer to their expansion needs. However, the unit didn’t have a commercial kitchen, and the cost to install one was prohibitive, especially for a rental they wouldn’t own.
Then, the Knights of Columbus building, only a block west on Second Street, went on the market. The Lunch Place quickly realized its potential, since it had served as a gathering space and had a kitchen already in place. “This was our answer,” Esser said. The Lunch Place closed on the property a few weeks ago and is now the proud owner of its own building.
The dining area is larger in the new space, while the kitchen is a little smaller. The Lunch Place, which is overseen by a board of 13 members and run daily by Head Chef Kinte Snead and a group of dedicated volunteers, is looking forward to a new chapter in its charitable legacy. During a recent chat, Snead smiled as he envisioned the new space. “It’s a great opportunity for us,” he said.
“We’ll be able to offer new services to the public,” Esser said. That includes expanded lunch hours (the initial plan is to be open 11 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday) and hosting events such as cooking classes and private parties. Esser said the organization also plans to work closely with other community non-profits to utilize the space to its fullest potential. She also mentioned that the new space will likely require more volunteers, and the organization is always looking for help from kind people.
The new building requires some preparation to host lunches, including a new dishwasher and commercial stove. However, the process to assimilate into the new space should be seamless, as the prior owner left tables and chairs, and the building is in good condition.
The property, which borders the south end of the Rotary Parking lot, will offer plentiful parking. The expected move-in date is late March or early April.
Esser said The Lunch Place will soon begin a capital campaign to raise $500,000 to pay off the mortgage and make the necessary improvements to the property. Details on how individuals, groups, and businesses can contribute to this fundraising drive will be available soon. For more information, visit the organization’s website: thelunchplace.org.
Throughout the upcoming transition, Esser mentioned that The Lunch Place’s mission will remain the same. “We will continue to feed the hungry and provide comfort to the lonely,” she said. The organization’s 36-year efforts have been a constant source of support and kindness within the community, a true beacon of hope and charity for neighbors who need it most.
