MASSENA -- The Salvation Army of Massena has opened a new kitchen space that will allow the organization to prepare and serve more than 300 meals every week to assist those in need. 

The occasion was celebrated by the Empire State Development and Salvation Army members during a ribbon cutting held June 11. 

“Food insecurity and lack of job training resources have a direct impact on our current and future economic productivity,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight.  “Soup kitchens and food pantries are often a community’s sole source of free, healthy and nutritious food.  That’s why Governor Hochul, ESD and the North Country Regional Economic Development Council found it critical to support The Salvation Army of Massena as it works to alleviate food insecurity and address workforce development needs.”

The project took five years of planning and fundraising to build the new state-certified commercial-grade kitchen, located at 178 Victory Road in the village of Massena. 

The new kitchen will also establish space for a new job training program, in partnership with the Massena Central School District, Social Services, Massena Neighborhood Center, restaurants and area churches, for those interested in food service and/or hospitality industry jobs, officials said. 

ESD is providing a $50,000 grant to The Salvation Army of Massena through its Not for Profit Capital Grant Program, which supports not-for-profit organizations that provide economic support in their region by providing matching funds for capital improvements.

“We are so grateful for those who have come alongside us to generously support this amazing project,” said Lieutenant Nicholas White of The Salvation Army of Massena. “This new kitchen will help us continue our vital programs and services for years to come.”

The current food insecurity rate in St. Lawrence County is at 15.6% or 16,860 total people, officials said. 

When fully operational, the Salvation Army plans to serve meals three days per week, each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The first meal will go off the line on Wednesday, June 25, with plans to serve 50-100 meals each day. 

The food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and available on an emergency basis Tuesday and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

In addition to the $50,000 grant from ESD, other support for this project came from community partners including $30,000 from the Arconic Foundation and $10,000 from the Northern New York Community Foundation, as well as support from SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Brookfield Renewable Energy, Liberty Utilities, Caldwell Contracting, Stewart's Shops, BJ’s Charitable Foundation, a Louisville Hockey Arena fundraiser, private donors, special fundraisers, and more, officials said. 

“The Salvation Army of Massena is a lifeline for many in Massena. By expanding its services and creating a new, commercial-grade kitchen to accommodate those in need, The Salvation Army is helping to reduce food insecurity, establishing space for new job training opportunities, and creating more inclusive and equitable economic growth. The North Country Regional Economic Development Council is proud to partner with The Salvation Army to ensure that nutritious food is accessible for residents of Massena and the surrounding area," North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-chairs James McKenna and Dr. Kathryn Morris said.

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