UPDATED: Framingham Chef Uses First United Methodist Kitchen To Make Meals For Those in Need

By Sabetha LaFontant

SOURCE intern & UMass Boston student

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FRAMINGHAM – Using the kitchen of the First United Methodist Church in Framingham, a woman is creating meals for those in need and those too busy to cook during the COVID-19 crisis.

Framingham resident Diana Palmer decided she could help families struggling through the pandemic by making meals.

“As a laid-off chef manager and person of deep faith I found a way to keep busy and provide support in my local area,” said Palmer.

With the support of the First United Methodist Church, Palmer labored 100 meals, out of the church’s kitchen within the first week.

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Nearly a month after her “Faith in Food” meal program started, Palmer now makes more than 200 meals a week on her own.

Framingham resident Deborah Capozzoli has been creating homemade desserts and dropping them off at the church for the meal delivereies.

Tuesday through Saturday, Palmer creates new entrees, including chicken cordon bleu, American chop suey, and shrimp scampi.

The cost per entree is $5 or free to those who cant afford it.

Palmer’s donation page for “Faith in Food” was first set to $600 and through the generosity of many donors, that goal was achieved.

Now with an ever-growing demand to prepare more meals, Palmer has set a new goal raise $1,000.

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Palmer says almost half the meals goes to families in need.

The First United Methodist Church has stepped in to offset some costs, deciding “this is a community issue. It doesn’t matter the cost,” said Palmer.

The Framingham resident not only crafts fresh meals but also delivers meals herself, Her deliveries take place from 4 and 5 p.m.and then she returns to the church for pick-ups from 5 to 6 p.m.

Palmers initial love for cooking started at a home economics class at the former Framingham North High School.

She continues her love from cooking throughout local restaurants and through cooking for First United Methodist Church’s community events.

Orders for meals must be placed by 5 p.m. on Sunday. (menu below)

To RSVP email: jajeb1@hotmail.com.

Donation are welcomed. Money raised will be used for groceries and packaging supplies, said palmer.

To donate, click here.

NEXT week’s Menu:

Monday: No Meal (grocery shopping and prep for the week)
Tuesday: Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans
Wednesday: American Chop Suey and Side Salad
Thursday: BBQ Pork Ribs, Potato Salad, Corn Bread
Friday: Baked Haddock, Rice, and Vegetable
Saturday: Glazed Meatloaf, Baked Potato and Vegetable

There are also community garden spots available at the United Methodist Church in Framingham. Email Diana if interested at Jajeb1@hotmail.com