St. Peter, MN – The Kitchen is a group that serves a meal to members of the St. Peter Area Community at no charge each Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Peter. While in operation for several years, the COVID pandemic stopped a much-needed program. Recently, The Kitchen reopened, once again serving meals to the community.

There are five St. Peter churches who participate in the operation of the The Kitchen, Trinity Lutheran Church, First Lutheran Church, Union Presbyterian Church, Church of St. Peter Catholic Church and Scandian Grove Lutheran Church.  The group receives support from Hy-Vee Hilltop in Mankato, Family Fresh in St. Peter and Second Harvest Heartland for food resources.

On June 5, River’s Edge Hospital donated $1,000 to The Kitchen to help with operations of the program.  River’s Edge Hospital had been providing support of The Kitchen prior to the pandemic.

“We are happy that The Kitchen is back in service to provide meals to the community.  Having access to healthy food is an important piece of a person’s overall health,” said Paula Meskan, River’s Edge Hospital CEO.

The Kitchen is open Mondays at 5 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church and is available to anyone in the community.

Paula Meskan, River’s Edge Hospital CEO, presents a donation to Sandi Francis, one of The Kitchen volunteers. Also pictured are Mary Behrends, Marilyn Kochsiek, Nick Sonsteby, Jen Baxa, Rhonda Hermanson, and Pat Beck.