Chef Kevin Risner displays the packaging system that makes Feed Our Own such a convenient program for Washington Township residents.

by Melanie Jongsma, Director of Communications

You might think Mark Trnka’s 30 years of experience in the food industry is what most qualifies him to lead Providence’s dining services. But it’s simpler than that. “I love to eat!” he laughs. And he wants other people to love it, too.

Mark empowers the dining staff at each Providence location with the flexibility they need to meet the needs of their community. This flexibility is essential because each of our communities is distinctly local.

Providence also believes it’s important for our communities to contribute to the life of the greater community where they are located. So when Chef Kevin Risner of Village Woods expressed interest in starting a new service for neighboring Washington Township, Illinois, Mark fully supported him.

The program is called Feed Our Own, and it is similar to the existing Meals On Wheels program that services the area’s lower-income seniors, though Chef Kevin explains, “We do similar things, but we are very different.” Kevin won the Township’s vote to support Feed Our Own when he brought sample meals to a board meeting to demonstrate the nutritional quality and the convenient packaging. The meals use fresh ingredients and follow ADA guidelines. Plus, they’re delicious!

The Feed Our Own program follows the same menu cycle that Village Woods uses. The Township pays Village Woods for the service, and Township volunteers coordinate sign-ups, drivers, and distribution routes, so the strain on Village Woods dining staff is minimal.

Most important to Kevin, the program is a way to be a blessing. “This will provide a needed service to our community,” he says. “It will serve people who otherwise would not have a nourishing meal or a healthy diet because of financial, physical, or mental limitations that also exclude them from conventional aid.” Not only does Feed Our Own deliver nutritional meals, it also serves as a well-being check: the volunteer drivers who deliver the meals will use the opportunity to make sure the recipients are healthy and safe.

“The Feed Our Own program is another way for us to live that promise to be ‘With You, for You,’” says Mark. “I’m really proud of what Kevin has done with the idea. He’s extending community beyond the walls of Village Woods!”

Kevin has already received some kudos for his work — he was mentioned in a blog by Peggy Mullan, who visited Providence Life Services a couple weeks ago and learned about Feed Our Own. The blog she posted is pretty long, and we don’t get mentioned until the second half, so keep reading to the end!

If you’d like to post your own encouragements to Chef Kevin and the dining staff at Village Woods, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll make sure they receive it!

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