Whether people are navigating tough times or facing difficult circumstances, The Chubby’s Project remains steadfast in its mission to help those in need with meals, food supplies and connections.
Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Chubby’s Project was the idea of Lyn Farrugia, who owns Hopewell’s historic Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette.
As the niece of the late Carol Montello, the former owner of Aunt Chubby’s, Farrugia carries on the tradition of “intentional neighboring” that Montello was known for, serving anyone in her restaurant regardless of their ability to pay.
For six years, The Chubby’s Project has been helping feed people, fight food insecurity, provide assistance to those in need and offer human connection each week to Hopewell-area residents who need support.
John Haney, executive director of The Chubby’s Project, said there has been an increase in demand for its services this year, particularly with the holidays approaching.
“Yes. [The need] has been more on the upswing than the down swing. We have seen a moderate increase,” Haney said.
“We do a couple things – we serve food, but we also provide companionship for a lot of folks. This is really a community-based initiative.”
The project delivers food three days a week. A meal consists of a main dish, a side, a piece of fruit and a dessert. Volunteers also provide eggs, groceries and produce, and even send flowers once a week.
“So, it is giving neighbors we serve a sense of belong, respect and dignity.”
The project relies on volunteers who assist the chef in preparing meals, pack food into containers, bake desserts and deliver meals to neighbors in need.
Meals are delivered Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Volunteers pack the meals the day before each delivery. For example, volunteers come in Wednesday afternoon to pack food for delivery Thursday morning.
A recent meal included meatloaf, sweet potato puree and rice. The project delivers approximately 120 meals a week, although that number has reached 140 in some weeks.
“This is called intentional neighboring. What would a neighbor do to help someone. This is what The Chubby’s Project is about,” Haney said. “We serve people who maybe had a financial setback or maybe a health setback or maybe they could not cook anymore. Sometimes people get down and we try to bring them up, show them respect, and show them kindness.”
Haney explained that his job is to make things better for the volunteers and the neighbors they serve.
This year, the project moved to a new home at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, where volunteers now pack meals for delivery to those in need. The organization had operated out of 1 Railroad Place for the previous six years.
People in need sometimes reach out directly to The Chubby’s Project for assistance, but the nonprofit also hears from neighbors, churches, school districts and doctors’ offices. Haney himself has also been contacted directly.
“We have a couple neighbors we serve who pick up, but 99% of the neighbors we serve we deliver to,” Haney said.
In addition to serving meals and connecting with neighbors, the project maintains two self-serve food pantries at Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette on Railroad Place. The supplies in the pantries are donated by the community.
The pantries’ current needs include toilet paper, paper towels, breakfast cereal, peanut butter, deodorant, bar soap, liquid hand soap, tomato sauce, pasta, rice, toothpaste, quick meals such as chili or canned ravioli, and shelf-stable milk, such as Parmalat.
A volunteer oversees restocking the pantries, which are accessible to anyone in need.
“The entire community is looking after on another and being good neighbors. This what makes this project go,” Haney said. “If it weren’t for volunteers this project would not work.”
Since the project’s launch in 2020, volunteers have delivered more than 35,000 meals to neighbors, along with countless groceries.
Rolling Harvest Food Rescue and Fairgrown Farm donate fresh produce to the project. Volunteers include the produce and pantry items with the meals they deliver.
The groceries and produce are part of the deliveries rather than a separate service, providing additional food for families who are able to prepare their own meals.
“This is really rewarding for us that we are able to have the resources to feed people, volunteers, resources for produce…we donate eggs, we donate flowers. Hopewell Borough is a special place,” Haney said.
“When I first started the position, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am a retired school administrator, and I was just in awe to the community response to filling the pantry, to getting food being made to getting produce in, and people donating money and contributing in various ways.”
Haney said the experience has shown him just how generous people can be.
“Just know support is here for those who need it and we are always looking for more volunteers to help meet those needs. If you are in this community and area, we are here to serve.”
The Chubby’s Project will hold a community celebration and open house on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Hopewell Presbyterian Church.
Haney said the event is intended to thank volunteers, donors and everyone associated with the project for their contributions.
The celebration will include tours of the organization’s new space, and food will be available.
