NORWAY — A new community kitchen at the Progress Center is expected feed hundreds of needy residents.

“We’re just so thrilled. This has been a lot of work,” Progress Center Administrative Assistant Priscilla Burnette said Wednesday. “We have been so blessed but I think we have a great need. This is something we are doing for the community.”

At least 120 area low-income and disadvantaged residents are fed twice a month at the Universalist Church on Main Street, and scores of others are provided free meals by a few other churches and organizations. However,  the need is much greater, local officials say.

On Jan. 18, bids will be opened for the construction of the Progress Center’s new community kitchen at 35 Cottage St. A residential kitchen, small dining area and offices will be converted into a commercial kitchen and common dining area. The work is expected to be completed in five or six months, Burnette said in a statement issued this week.

The kitchen will be used to host community dinners and for local farmers who may need a commercial kitchen. No changes will be made to the exterior of the building, Burnette said.

Meals may be served up to three times a week instead twice a month. The meals, of which two will be in the daytime, are prepared by staff and individuals supported by the Progress Center and served with additional help from community volunteers, she said.

The goals of the kitchen are to: provide more meals to the needy;  better work with other organizations who provide free meals; help the agricultural community; and employ Progress Center clients, Burnette said.

 Burnette said a manager will be hired.

Farmers and other entrepreneurs will be able to supplement their business or start a business to spur economic growth in the area, Burnette said.

The project is largely funded by a Community Development Block Grant and a USDA Rural Development Grant. Town Manager David Holt said the town is acting as the center’s nonprofit funding agent in the application for the community block grant. Voters approved the town submitting the grant application last February.

“We’ve had financial donations from local businesses. People are well aware of the need in the area,” Burnette said.

For more information on the kitchen project or the Progress Center contact Burnette at 743-8049, extension 266. Donations may be made to “Progress Center” and sent to: Progress Center, 35 Cottage St., Norway, ME 04268, attention Priscilla Burnette.

[email protected]