Menu Maker Catering partners with GraceWorks Ministires
Menu Maker Catering owner Mary Weary knows her company’s success hasn’t come by chance. To help celebrate its 25th anniversary and give back to the community that has supported it, the full-service catering company has selected new neighbor GraceWorks Ministries, Inc. as its community partner.
During September, the public is encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items, paper products, diapers and feminine hygiene items in bins at Menu Maker’s new location, 102 Alpha Drive, in south Franklin. Customers of Menu Maker’s carryout service will also have an opportunity to “round up” their bill with a donation to GraceWorks or make a cash donation. At month’s end, Menu Maker will match all donations and present a check to GraceWorks to support the agency’s hunger prevention programs.
GraceWorks is headquartered two blocks away at 104 Southeast Parkway. Today the local non-profit agency, established in 1995, focuses on four key areas— family support, instructional programs, seasonal needs and hunger prevention.
Despite its standing as one of the nation’s wealthiest counties, hunger exists in Williamson County. In 2016, GraceWorks distributed $1.6 million worth of food, including 5,452 full grocery carts, to individuals and families from Brentwood to Spring Hill, Fairview to Nolensville.
In addition to its Franklin and Fairview food banks, GraceWorks distributes 700 free “Fuel Bags” weekly to county school children who qualify for free/reduced meal programs. The bags help ensure the children don’t go hungry over the weekend. Mobile food pantries are also set up throughout the year to reach those without access to the permanent food banks.
After months of extensive renovations to an existing restaurant building, Menu Maker Catering moved into its first stand-alone location in late July. In addition to housing its catering operations, the new location allowed Menu Maker to open its first carryout lunch service. Meat-and-three options as well as fresh-packed salads, frozen casseroles and desserts are available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.
To learn more about Menu Maker Catering, visit menumakercatering.com or like it on Facebook. Menu Maker Catering’s Alpha Drive location is just north of Mack Hatcher Parkway and half a block east of Columbia Pike.