GOOD NEWS AT NOON

Providing a daily meal to the homeless and needy  

Fifty or so hungry people, forty seven Thursdays of the year—that’s at least 2,350 lunches served every year at Good News at Noon by the First Presbyterian congregation. 

The process of preparing these lunches is highly organized.  There are eight teams of about eight people, with four rotating menus.  Individual church members prepare main dishes and desserts at home and deliver them to the church by 10 A.M. on Thursdays.  Marvin Richter, who has headed this ministry for 17 years, picks up the food, takes it to Good News, reheats the casseroles, adds vegetables and fruit, and serves it.  Paul Mahar usually accompanies him in serving the meal, although others help also.   FPC is responsible for every Thursday except those in August and Thanksgiving Day.

New team members, and especially two people who might be interested in learning to coordinate this program, are currently being sought.  Call Mr. Richter if you would like to volunteer.  While most individuals donate both the food and their time, there are procedures in place so that reimbursements for food or supplies are available.

 The Good News at Noon ministry provides services to families and homeless men in the Gainesville area.  There is a shelter that can house 16 homeless men per night.  Every day there is a church service followed by lunch afterwards which is open to the hungry individuals in the community as well as shelter residents.  On weekdays there is also a service at 7:00 P.M. followed by dinner.  Shelter residents are required to find work during their time at the shelter.  The staff provides much support to help residents get back on their feet.  Good News also accepts donations of mens’ clothing and other items needed to help residents restart their lives.