(3/21) At the beginning of March, a new program was initiated in an effort to not only provide for the people of Emmitsburg, but to unite the Emmitsburg community. The importance of having a strong, stable, and connected community is something that is seemingly overlooked. Showing support for your friends and neighbors is the key to a successful community. That is to say, you don’t realize how necessary something is until you need it.
This was certainly the case for Emmitsburg’s new Neighborhood Meals Program when Mayor Frank Davis received some insight from a resident suggesting the idea of a hot meal program. Mayor Davis saw this as an excellent opportunity and took advantage of the initiative brought before him. Mayor Davis’s first step in bringing this program to fruition was contacting Brandy Malocha, Town Operations Specialist, to reach out to local churches and non-profit groups in Emmitsburg.
After establishing the Program, planning, and coordinating, the Program was set to begin in March. The Program is designed so that each month a different church or organization will host a meal. The group hosting the meal will either prepare the food in the Town’s Health Department-approved kitchen at the Activities Building, or they will be providing food purchased directly from a restaurant or deli. As for who can attend, everyone is welcome! Mayor Davis, Brandy Malocha, the churches, and non-profits in Emmitsburg are hoping to reach the folks and families that need a little help with a friendly place to enjoy a good meal. No identification is needed! The people who come to receive a free meal can take it to go or eat it in the activities building and enjoy spending time with other members of the community.
When asked about the goals of this program, Malocha stated, "First and foremost, we’re hoping to help people who are in need of a meal. But also, the fellowship side of it is very important. We want everyone to feel they belong and are part of the community, no matter their financial situation."
The Emmitsburg Neighborhood Meals Program is an excellent way to unite the community by surrounding people with friendly, kind, and compassionate neighbors. The first event for this program was held on March 12th, and it was sponsored by the Town of Emmitsburg. A goal for this program is to be able to eventually offer a weekly meal, rather than monthly. With your help, this could be very achievable. Not only would your cooperation benefit the community, but it would support this program so that a greater impact could be left on the Emmitsburg community and help those in need.
"Once the meal program gets up and running, we will have a better idea of what is needed to make the Program a success," Malocha stated when asked about how members of the community could contribute. The more people get involved, the bigger the impact will be on our humble town of Emmitsburg. For now, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact Brandy Malocha at 301-600-6300 or Bmalocha@emmitsburgMD.gov.
