Chubby’s Project in our Community
The Chubby’s Project is a local program dedicated to food justice and building connections within the Hopewell community. Through their lunch program and food pantry, the Project aims to nourish the community’s mind, body, and spirit by creating a full circle of connection between recipients, volunteers, donors, and food service workers. The Chubby’s Project is a New Jersey nonprofit corporation. Because it has not yet received Federal 501(c)3 status, Calvary Baptist Church of Hopewell acts as its fiscal sponsor. One hundred percent of funds designated to Chubby’s Project through the Calvary Baptist Church go directly to support the Project’s programs.
The Chubby’s Project was originally intended to utilize proceeds from Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette in Hopewell Borough to give back to the community. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Luncheonette distributed gift cards via the Hopewell Council of Churches, so those in need would be able to come in for a hot meal, or some company. When the COVID-19 pandemic descended on our area a year ago, it not only closed down the normal operations of schools and area businesses, it also created unexpected hardship, including new or increased food insecurity for some in our community. Lyn Farrugia, a co-owner of Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette, began to consider ways to build upon what they were already doing in our community to support those hit hardest by this situation. Lyn and her team set up a food pantry, which now consists of two large outdoor wooden cupboards, located next to the luncheonette on Railroad Avenue. The Chubby’s Project works with school and community groups to collect and sort donations, stock the pantry, and educate the public about food insecurity and food justice in Hopewell and beyond.
In addition, Chubby’s Project began delivering prepared hot meals and groceries to community members particularly isolated or experiencing extra hardship at this time. The love and kindness that goes out with each delivery is truly amazing! Over 7,500 meals have been delivered since last March. Currently, approximately 150 meals are delivered weekly, benefitting households in and around Hopewell, including Ewing. Ongoing support for both the food pantry and delivered meals/groceries comes from monetary donations, and donations of non-perishable food and other household supplies generously provided by individuals throughout our community, and many local organizations, including the Hopewell Council of Churches. The Calvary Baptist Church on East Broad Street receives and manages monetary gifts which are used to sustain both efforts. Hopewell Presbyterian Church (HPC) has supported these efforts with monetary donations ($2,000 this past year) through the Deacon’s Community Outreach Mission, and through the November 1, 2020 “Sunday of Service” event, when many HPC members participated in either the community-wide food drive, or the Hunger Awareness Walk at St. Michael’s Preserve (or both!) sponsored by the Chubby’s Project, in conjunction with the Hopewell Council of Churches. More recently, HPC Deacons are exploring other ways to provide ongoing “hands on deck” support to the food pantry and prepared meal delivery program.
The newest initiative by Chubby’s Project is a Tuesday evening soup delivery service for a small group of lunch recipients. Still in pilot stage, this program aims to offer another opportunity for connection through a virtual meeting of participants. Student volunteers from the Hopewell Valley Regional High School deliver soup donated by local restaurants, and a local pastor runs a zoom group for conversation and connection.
Chubby’s Project serves those in need regardless of their circumstances, and there are no criteria to receive their services. The engine for keeping this important community-care up and running is Lyn’s amazing compassion and creativity, along with her very dedicated team of staff and volunteers. If you’re interested in learning more about these efforts, and ways to become involved, please refer to the information below, and check out their website at www.https://chubbysluncheonette.com .
Aunt Chubby’s Food Pantry: Occasional help needed with organizing received donations, stocking outdoor cabinets, and possible assistance organizing/running food drives. Cheryl Pothast is the key coordinator; you may contact Cheryl directly at cheryl.pothast@gmail.com and copy Lyn Farrugia, at lynfarrugia@gmail.com.
Prepared Meal Delivery and check-in: This occurs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings between approximately 10 – 11:30 am. Volunteers typically participate on select days rather than all three. Townsend Olcott is the key coordinator for this effort. Lyn welcomes volunteers who:
are being extra careful themselves with safety protocols
willing/comfortable to "check-in" with recipients by visiting, either on a doorstep or briefly inside, (masked, social-distanced, etc., for short period) to see if they might need any other type of assistance.
Townsend is very organized and has a dedicated crew of delivery volunteers -- but they can always use some additional help! If interested in helping, please contact Townsend at ctolcott@gmail.com and copy Lyn Farrugia, lynfarrugia@gmail.com. For this effort, Lyn will likely reach out to you first.