Salem Firefighters Serve Annual Holiday Lunch To Over 200 Seniors

SALEM, NH — A tradition dating back over three decades took place Monday after a two-year hiatus.

The Firefighters Lunch, where members of the Salem Fire Department served lunch to local seniors, took place at the Ingram Senior Center. The event began 36 years ago, but was canceled in 2021 and was held as a drive-through/pick-up lunch in 2020, both due to the pandemic.

"The (Firefighters Lunch) is a traditional favorite for the seniors and has been for the past 36 years," Wendy Peters, trip/administrative coordinator at Ingram Senior Center, told Patch.

Peters continued: "With all the festivities and delicious food, the seniors really look forward to this event. They were so isolated during COVID, and the holidays can be a difficult time for many of them anyway, which made this year's event extra special."

Over 200 seniors attended the event, which featured two seatings.

Members of the Salem Firefighters Relief Association purchased the food, and then firefighters and their families prepared the meal, which included bread, salad, meatballs with ziti, and brownies.

As part of the tradition, the meal ended with the Salem FD's young firefighters singing Christmas carols with piano accompaniment by Jim Koczat.