The all-volunteer staff of our soup kitchens has been serving the greater Port Jefferson area since the 1970s. Starting in separate churches, the kitchens eventually consolidated and, in 2016, were incorporated as an independent not-for-profit organization, “Welcome Friends of Greater Port Jefferson Inc.” (dba “Welcome Friends”). Welcome Friends provides hot, nutritious ‘take home’ meals four days every week. We are self-sustaining with a solid foundation of local community support and serve our neighbors with the same caring tradition of dignity and respect that has been our hallmark for many decades.
Our volunteers form an outstanding team that addresses hunger in our Greater Port Jefferson community and work hard to expand relationships with individual supporters, local food markets, farm stands, religious institutions, community leaders, local village government, and other agencies. Our teams create a sense of community for neighbors affected by hunger and poverty by serving in a safe, hospitable environment.
Ted Lucki, current President, commented: “Gratitude cannot be adequately expressed for the encouragement and support that the Port Jefferson area community has provided to help our less fortunate neighbors.”