Ed and Beverly Corcoran, who tirelessly help feed the hungry, to receive Health and Humanitarian Award

Press release:

The 28^th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Edward and Beverly Corcoran on Friday, Dec. 7, at an awards luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The award presented by The Jerome Foundation and United Memorial Medical Center Foundation recognizes men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.

Nominations should reflect “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”

In naming the Corcorans for this year’s award, the foundations will recognize their volunteer efforts at organizing and running Stephen’s Table, a soup kitchen that provides lunches six times a week, on average to 30 people a day. Donald Lewis, a volunteer at Stephen’s Table, nominated the Corcorans for the award, citing their dedication to serving the hungry.

“More than 20 years ago Ed and Beverly Corcoran recognized a need in the Batavia area to provide a meal to residents who had inadequate nutritious food. The Batavia Assembly of God Church provided the kitchen and dining room, and Ed and Beverly provided care and concern for those who might be hungry or in need of fellowship. Thus, Stephen’s Table was born.”

The Corcorans prepare the meal each day. A typical lunch is homemade soup, sandwich, fruit, dessert and beverage. Volunteers help serve the meal. However, that is only part of the job. Ed and Beverly spend hours each week visiting local businesses that donate food to Stephen’s Table. Mrs. Corcoran also has the job of completing reports and correspondence to individuals, organizations and church groups who donate food and personnel to help with the food kitchen. 

Mr. Lewis’ nomination included several articles about the growing problem of hunger in this area, and the challenge of feeding those in need. Foodlink, a regional food bank that provides 13 million pounds of food annually to a 10-county service area including Genesee County, has undergone state and federal cutbacks. The Corcorans depend on food from Foodlink, but with less food and more people to serve, the challenge can be daunting. 

Last year Mr. Corcoran volunteered 1,932 hours to serving the needy at Stephen’s Table. Mr. Lewis noted in his nomination letter, “It must be emphasized that Ed and Beverly receive no compensation; their service is totally voluntary. Besides their time, they also contribute their own funds for gas to obtain donations. Their love and concern for the less fortunate in the region has been the driving force behind Stephen’s Table for these past 20 years.”

The Health and Humanitarian Award luncheon is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting United Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 344-5300. Seating will be limited so early reservations are encouraged.