Fundraising efforts are once again underway to help The Open Door Food Kitchen serve up meals to the hungry.

Carlene Makawski with the Open Door Food Kitchen said it’s an effort that’s been going on for the past 32 years in St. Joseph.

“June of 1984 the first meal was served. They met first in the Salvation Army building. The first meal served was for 25 and it has grown from then,” Makawski said.

Makawski said the Food Kitchen also acts as a meeting place.

“For a lot of these people, this is their social gathering. This is where they meet their friends. It’s a good thing to have not only for the food aspect, but also for the social aspect,” Makawski said.

Leanne Smiley with The Open Door Food Kitchen said an annual fundraising banquet for the agency is coming up later this month.

“It’s the only fundraiser that we really do as far as a wide community involvement. We rely pretty heavily on that to fund us for a good portion of what we need to be successful,” Smiley said.

Reservations are being accepted until June 17th for the banquet.

“Reservations are needed so we know how much food to prepare,” Smiley said. “June 17th is the deadline to get reservations in. You can call The Open Door Food Kitchen to make those reservations.”

The upcoming banquet will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 23rd, at The Knights of Columbus. Reservations are $35 per person. For more information call (816) 364-1085.