COVINGTON, Ky. — Parish Kitchen, founded by the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Covington, celebrated its 50th anniversary this month.

Grilling up a lot of food for a lot of people, Gary Enzweiler has volunteered with Parish Kitchen for the past eight years and said he estimates feeding 10,000 people over the years. 

For the past 50 years, Parish Kitchen has opened its doors every day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm, serving up lunch to anyone in need of a hot meal. Enzweiler said his favorite part is the people.

"The people come in and really appreciate it," Enzweiler said. "And they get a good meal and fellowship with others.”

The parish also provides other services, including giving out fresh fruits and vegetables grown in its garden.

"We use some of them in our dishes that we cook and what we don't use, we set out on the table so the guests can take with them," said James Wendeln, kitchen manager. 

The parish also offers free on-site medical exams, provided by St. Elizabeth nurses.

A 2023 study done by Feeding America found Kentucky has the fourth-highest rate of food insecurity among older adults in the U.S., finding 14.6% of adults ages 50 to 59 lack regular access to enough food or had to make tradeoffs between food and other basic needs. The report added nearly 7% of adults 60 or older face the same challenges.

It's why Chris Goddard, executive director of Parish Kitchen, said volunteers and staff try to create a space that feels like a restaurant and shopping center.

"Whether you have income or you don't, we want to provide a space where people can feel proud to say, 'Hey, that's where I eat,'" Goddard said. 

Enzweiler said he's proud of his work as he reflected on eight years of service and the kitchen's recent 50-year celebration. 

"They're serving so many more than they did when they first opened, so it's just been great to be part of that," he said. 

More information on Parish Kitchen can be found on its website.