NORWICH — The Broad Street United Methodist Church (BSUMC), located at 74 North Broad Street in Norwich, will be beginning their free Summer PB&J Bag Lunch Program on Tuesday, July 1.

Every Tuesday through July and August, volunteers will hand out free bag lunches at the BSUMC between 11 a.m. and noon. The lunches include two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or two jelly sandwiches for individuals who can't have peanut butter, as well as a small bag of chips, a cup of applesauce, a package of cookies, and a bottle of water.

"We also put a card in there that advertises when our next community meal is going to be that we do once a month for the community, and then it also has on the back of it information on different things that could help people that need assistance and the numbers to call and where to go," explained BSUMC Summer PB&J Bag Lunch Program Coordinator Deb Root.

Additionally, she said they also offer dog treats for those who stop by with their dogs.

Root said the bags are for anyone who wants or needs a free lunch.

"We don't turn anyone away. It doesn't matter whether they’re wealthy, poor, homeless, young, old, whatever," she said. "They need a bag lunch or want a bag lunch, we’ll give them one."

She said she and a group of about five to seven volunteers are able to give out 50 to 90 bags each week, depending on weather conditions.

This is the church's second year providing free bag lunches throughout the summer, and Root said she plans to continue doing this every year.

Individuals who would like to support their efforts can donate items needed for the lunches. Requested donation items include small bottles of water, creamy peanut butter, fruit jelly, cups of applesauce, store-bought packages of cookies, small bags of chips, and Ziploc bags.

Donations can be dropped off at the BSUMC office Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Additionally, financial donations can be given at the church office, left in the mailbox slot on the side of the church, or mailed to Broad Street United Methodist Church, 74 North Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815.

Root said they accept cash and check donations. Checks should be made out to BSUMC, and the memo line should include that the donation is for the Summer PB&J Bag Lunch Program. Cash donations should also include a note specifying the donation is for the program.

Those who would like to help through volunteering can call the BSUMC office at 607-334-2895. Root said they should leave a message explaining that they would like to volunteer with the PB&J Program, and someone will get in touch with them to discuss volunteering opportunities.

The Broad Street United Methodist Church will also be continuing their free monthly meals on Sunday, July 20 and Sunday, August 24. These meals will be take-out only, with pickup beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the side door facing the Norwich Family YMCA, and go until the meals are gone.

Community Dinner Organizer Barbara Korver said they typically make around 200 meals each month to give out. The meals are free to anyone who would like one, no questions asked.

The dinners generally include a main course as well as sides and a dessert. In the past, Korver said they've served dishes including chicken cordon bleu on a bun, turkey dinners, pasta, ziti, pulled pork, stuffing, and broccoli salad.


Each month's menu can be found on the Broad Street United Methodist Church Facebook page.