Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Steve Munier (holding golden retriever Spruce), wife Sarah and son Roger are providing free pizza meals to 10 people on Friday.

Munier family ‘called to serve’ in offering free food

A Hopkinton family is offering free homemade pizza meals on Friday to the first 10 responders to a Tuesday morning message posted on social media.

Steve Munier and his family have lived in Hopkinton since 2020. In an interview with the Independent, he explained that his desire to provide meals for those who need them was fueled by family, faith and friendship.

“I love our community so much,” explained Munier, noting that he connected with people through the By Nothing Hopkinton online group. “I relied on it when I was going through some medical issues two years ago. Whether it was rides to the hospital or picking up my son from soccer practice, people there were so generous. That’s the avenue I decided to go through when I wanted to give back.”

The federal government shutdown, combined with the withholding of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, moved Munier to help others. He is an avid cook, while his wife, Sarah, enjoys baking.

“My parents are the type of people who eat to live,” he said. “But we live to eat. Our happiest moments have involved family, friends and food.”

Added Munier: “I’m not a political person. But obviously the shutdown brought the issue of food insecurity to light.”

Enjoying a takeout meal can cost as much as $100, “an expensive venture,” Munier said. While he praised some local restaurants for offering deals, he wanted to provide residents free meals, with “no questions asked.”

A church service on Sunday crystallized his desire to contribute.

“We are called to serve and to give back through acts of charity, generosity and service,” explained Munier. “It all just came to a head then.”

The first 10 responders to the Nextdoor post will receive a to-go package containing two fresh 12-inch pizzas, one bag of Caesar salad, four cookies and four apples. Dinners can be picked up at the Munier home at 137 Hayden Rowe Street between 5:30-7 p.m. this Friday.

“Knock on the door and we will make the pizza fresh in about 5 minutes (cheese, pepperoni or veggie),” the post reads.

The Munier family often invites friends over to build homemade pizzas and connections, he added. This is an extension of that spirit.

The post received a “handful of responses” within six hours, according to Munier.

If the event is successful, Munier said he may ask restaurants, farms or stores to pitch in for future endeavors.

— MARY ELLEN GAMBON

Latest News

Residents gathered at the Senior Center on Tuesday to recognize Hopkinton’s veterans and reflect on both the past and future.

The Commission on Disability met with Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed on Monday to discuss collaborating for White Cane Day and issues with snow removal.

Health Director Shaun McAuliffe reported to the Board of Health on Monday that his department’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 falls within the town’s budget guidelines.

State Rep. James Arena-DeRosa will hold office hours Saturday at the Hopkinton Public Library.

This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on girls cross-country junior captain Wafiya Syeda, a consistent top-five scorer for the team who coach Jean Cann says has been “a strong leader all season.”

Town meetings tonight include the Appropriation Committee (5), Capital Improvement Committee (6), Cemetery Commission (6) and Board of Appeals (7).

Photo of the Day

Players practice their shooting form against the wall of Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym during the Hopkinton High School girls basketball team’s youth clinic Tuesday.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR