APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – For the first time in over 14 months, The Salvation Army Fox Cities opened its doors to serve hot lunches once again.
“Start of going back to how things used to be,” said Andrew Petit of Appleton.
Petit was homeless for three years. Pre-pandemic, he relied on the Salvation Army for lunch.
“It was a nice outlet to get away, especially when you’re low on money and when they do a lunch everyday so its actually a very nice place.”
Glenn Mintern also utilized the Salvation Army lunch program when he was young, now he volunteers his time.
“Making sandwiches, until like 11:30, you know it was real exciting, but really beneficial to the community.”
For the last 14 months, the doors closed, and only to-go lunches were available.
Now, Director of Development and Communications, Kristal Knudtson, tells FOX 11 she feels confident welcoming clients in.
“With vaccinations out, with the numbers and its time, it’s time we bring people back in, sit down and start giving them a hot lunch, give them hot coffee.”
Pre-pandemic, the Salvation Army Fox Cities served an average of 125 lunches a day.
At the height of the pandemic in August, 150 lunches.
On Monday, 91 people came in for food.
“It rose a lot, then it went down with the stimulus checks, then it rose again.”
Knudtson expects the numbers to rise as the school year ends and benefits run out.
“It’s nice to stay out of the cold or they say hey grab your food and go somewhere that is warm,” said Petit.
Like many others, Petit tells FOX 11 he’s grateful to have a sit down place to eat a warm meal once again.
The Salvation Army Fox Cities ‘Noon Lunch Program’ is dine-in Monday through Friday, and to-go only on the weekends.
To learn more, click here.
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