[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE FREE KITCHEN PROJECT IN LAKEPORT, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 2002

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the outstanding achievements of the Free Kitchen Project. Ten years ago 
four distinguished organizations in Lakeport, California, a town of 
about 5000 people, began the Free Kitchen Project. The Free Kitchen 
Project serves people who are needy, lonely, transient, or families 
with an ill or handicapped person, each week, by providing a warm meal 
and environment.
  The United Christian Parish, St. John's Episcopal Church, Lakeport 
Lions Club, and St. Mary's Parish organize over 200 Free Kitchen 
Project volunteers. These dedicated volunteers provide those less 
fortunate with a hot meal and warm environment every week.
  In 1992, three people attended their first dinner. Now in the tenth 
year of operation, these devoted volunteers typically serve 50-100 
people a week. Since its inception, the Free Kitchen Project has served 
over 30,000 meals. This incredible growth is testament to the value 
they create for the Lake County Community.
  The Board of Directors of the Free Kitchen Project, comprised of 
members of participating churches and organizations, governs the 
project and oversees health department regulations which include 
disability issues and safe food handling practices.
  Mr. Speaker, after ten years of serving people in need, I would like 
to recognize the American spirit within the Free Kitchen Project and 
the town of Lakeport, California. The Free Kitchen Project has 
dedicated, selfless people performing a service to those in need. I am 
honored to recognize this immense act of volunteerism in one town on 
the occasion of their tenth anniversary. They truly deserve our 
recognition.

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