Who We Are
The Project was originally intended to use donations from Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette to give back to the community. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Luncheonette distributed gift cards via the Hopewell Council of Churches, so those in need would be able to come in for a hot meal or some company. When the shutdown happened in 2020 and restaurant profits were non-existent, there was a need to pivot and The Chubby’s Project Lunch Program was born. The Chubby’s Project, a NJ Nonprofit Corporation, and Chubby’s of Hopewell, LLC (the restaurant) are two different entities working together. The restaurant provides meals, buys food and packaging at cost, infrastructure and labor, and the Project pays for the restaurant’s contribution using funds from grants and private donations.
Lyn Farrugia (right), Founder and Chief of Blessings
Meet the Team
We have a group of dedicated volunteers who donate many hours each week to oversee each part of this many faceted program. Lead program volunteers coordinate the Lunch Program, Food Pantry Donations/Education, and our Tuesday Soup delivery. One part-time employee handles administrative duties and fundraising. The Chubby’s Project currently collaborates with the Hopewell Council of Churches, the Hopewell Elementary School PTO, the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance, and the D&R Greenway Land Trust.
Cheryl Pothast, Director of Outreach/Education +
Lyn Farrugia, Founder
Townsend Olcott, Lunch Boss
