Volunteers keep Community Kitchen running

At foldout row tables in the Community Kitchen of Monroe County dining area, local volunteers prepare meals to distribute among the Bloomington's most impoverished citizens.\nJessica Bowman, the volunteer coordinator and office manager, works daily taking telephone calls from individuals and groups offering to give their time.\n"We serve to a very diverse pool of individuals, but we also get help from a very diverse volunteer pool as well," Bowman said.\nMany people from the University, local churches and civic groups often meet these needs, but Bowman said anyone can offer to help, but there are restrictions on who and what ages can participate. \n"Anyone from 13 to 15 can come with adult supervision, and anyone that is old enough to drive -- 16 -- can come without adult supervision," Bowman said.\nTim Clougher, assistant director of food services, helps keep the kitchen running by sorting meat to combine with donations and charitable pick-ups for meal preparation. \n"Not knowing where the food is going to come from or when it's going to come, I basically have to shoot from the hip when planning the menu, which is typical for non-profit organizations," he said.\nClougher said the agency relies on Hoosier Hills Food Bank, meal share programs and community donations to provide an average of over 440 meals per day.\nAssistant Director Seth Mahern coordinates many of the kitchen's activities. \nBesides the free meals it provides, there are other services such as nutrition workshops, monthly health clinic screenings, an arts program and holiday meals.\n"We have a board of directors, but we're an independent organization and there are certain ties to the state for funding," Mahern said.\nThe biggest part of the agency's financial support comes from the private contributions of individuals such as civic groups, businesses and churches. The United Way constitutes ten percent of the agency's funding along with coordination and technical assistance. Bloomington Township and Perry Township provide support through cash grants and utility payments. The City of Bloomington also steps in by providing funding for salaries with a block grant.\nThe volunteer shifts include meal preparation and serving that range from afternoon to early evening hours. She said ten slots are needed each day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday.\nIf you would like to volunteer, visit Community Kitchen, 917 S. Rogers St., or call 332-0999 for more information.