KEYSTONE HEIGHTS — The Kitchen of Clay County has spent the last 15 years working to fight food insecurity in Clay County. After serving Clay County residents almost 20,000 meals last year, The Kitchen wants to do more.

“Right now, The Kitchen of Clay County is reaching residents with kitchens happening every Saturday in Orange Park, Green Cove Springs and Middleburg,” said Brian Knight, president of The Kitchen, “but if we are truly going to say we serve the residents of Clay County, then we need to reach as many residents as possible. And for that reason, we are working to open a fourth location in Keystone Heights.”

The Keystone Heights location will be hosted by The Mission of the Dirt Road at 7790 State Road 100 and will begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. While that is the expected opening date, Knight said a few things are needed.

“To open a new kitchen and operate it for a year, we need to raise $2,000,” said Knight. “That money is used for plates, utensils and to-go containers. The other thing that a kitchen needs to run is volunteers. It’s our hope that Keystone residents, and even folks outside Keystone, will consider spending a Saturday giving back to the community they love.”

The new location will be a restaurant-style, sit-down location with volunteers serving the guests. All residents are welcome to come for a meal; no proof of need is required. The Kitchen will also provide to-go meals for residents to take with them or share with others in the community.

The Kitchen serves at three partner locations — Sacred Heart Catholic Mission Church at 207 Palmetto Ave. in Green Cove Springs, Black Creek Methodist at 3925 Main St. in Middleburg and the Orange Park Senior Center at 414 Stowe Ave. Each Kitchen is open every Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Donations can be made through the organization’s website, thekitchenofclaycounty.com, or through the donation site, Cheddar Up, at my.cheddarup.com/c/donate-to-the-kitchen-of-clay-county-today.

More information on ways to donate or volunteer can be found at The Kitchen of Clay County’s website, thekitchenofclaycounty.com. The Kitchen is a nonprofit organization with a 501c3 status, so all donations are tax-deductible.