When Hilltop Mission Kitchen opened its doors to serve hot, nutritious meals to the community, Carolina eagerly volunteered to cook. A resident of the neighborhood and a client of Hilltop’s Food Pantry, she faced food insecurity herself.
For thirty years, Hilltop Neighborhood House has empowered the community and strengthened families by providing a place to learn, grow and belong. Expanding beyond their childcare programs, food pantry, and community garden, in September 2024, the organization launched Hilltop Mission Kitchen to further combat food insecurity. A $50,000 capital grant from the Porter County Community Fund supported the project.
“Hilltop Mission Kitchen offers immediate relief to individuals lacking the resources to cook for themselves,” said Jennifer Wright, President and CEO. “Beyond addressing hunger, these meals combat isolation and loneliness and foster a supportive environment where individuals can feel valued and connected.”
Rotating groups of passionate volunteers, including church and community organizations, individuals like Carolina, and even retired chefs roll up their sleeves each Monday, starting mid-morning to make sure everything is ready when the doors open at 4:00. They serve the families, seniors, and individuals who come together for a delicious family-style dinner. Many diners arrive early to chat on the welcoming front porch or stay after they’ve eaten to connect over a mug of coffee.
From the beginning, Carolina has been a constant presence. She knows everyone by name and has become a trusted leader in the neighborhood, one with whom people feel comfortable talking and sharing their concerns.
Your gifts to the Porter County Community Foundation make grants to local organizations like Hilltop possible. Thank you for nourishing our community.
