By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — For many hungry area residents who were hoping to get a free meal at Man Cave Brewing Company south of Syracuse, arriving on time meant they were out of luck.

The barbecued pork chop dinner, which was sponsored by Women of Today, was advertised to begin its service of 200 meals at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. By that time, it was far too late. The drivers of around 30 cars who were waiting in line at 4 p.m. and those still pouring into the parking lot were informed that all the food had been claimed.

Because cars began arriving more than an hour earlier than the starting time, organizers started handing out the boxed dinners shortly after 3 p.m., with some of the cars claiming upwards of 10 of the meals.

This was the second time Women of Today sponsored a dinner giveaway, with the first taking place at the Channel Marker earlier this month. According to Angela Goralczyk, the group received many monetary donations at the first event which helped fund last night’s meal at Man Cave. “We want to help out our community, but also our community’s businesses,” she said.

Fellow organizer Deb Webb added that Women of Today is very happy to do this for their community.

There have been many different organizations and restaurants in the Lakeland community that have been offering free meals during this time of extreme need. On Saturday, April 25, Vineyard Church in Syracuse is offering 500 chicken and noodles dinners at the church, located at 7566 E 1000 N, Syracuse. The curbside meal service is scheduled to begin at noon.

Beginning at 4 p.m. the following day, Sunday, April 26, The Sleepy Owl is offering 175 free pulled pork barbecue meals via curbside service. The restaurant is located at 11374 N. SR 13, Syracuse.

The Channel Marker will hold a free carryout dinner beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 29. They are offering 600 meals featuring Island Grilled Chicken from their parking lot at 5793 E. Pickwick Road, Syracuse.