Lunch Program

All are welcome here! Hospitality and a free, well-balanced meal go hand-in-hand at noon the last Monday of each month at First Lutheran Church. The meal is known throughout the community as "one of the best served," and is available to anyone who walks in the door of First Lutheran Church. Nearly 280 individuals are served each month. Offering a well-balanced and diverse menu is a top priority, and condiments such as hot sauce, ranch salad dressing, cheese and pickles are especially appreciated. Fresh fruit is often served and there is always dessert. No food is served that would not be served at our own tables. Diners are greeted as "guests" as we practice the principle that God loves and ministers even to the "least of these."

Who provides our delicious food? The majority of our food is purchased at a discounted rate from The Free Store/ Food Bank. Donations are also periodically received from a wide variety of resources from the community including other Lutheran churches. Meals are planned by First Lutheran Church members with input from guests who regularly eat with us. If you, your company or your church group are interested in donating food items, please contact the church office to arrange a drop-off time! We welcome your support!

Volunteers are always welcome! First Lutheran could not continue this ministry without the support of volunteers from other Lutheran churches in our area. At least 15 volunteers are needed each month to serve and prepare the meal in a timely manner. Often times, youth groups or confirmation classes assist and learn about the challenges of life in our neighborhood. Once a volunteer helps they are "hooked" and can hardly wait to help again the next month!

Cooking begins at 9:00 a.m. the morning of the day the meal is served. Prep work is done by church members and community volunteers. By 11:30 a.m. volunteers themselves share in the meal, and serving takes place from noon until 1 p.m. Guests are served in a buffet line and eat together in our large community room which holds about 100. Cleanup generally takes an hour.

History: This meal ministry began in 1996 as a simple "coffee hour" on two afternoons a week. Its purpose was to provide a safe, warm (or cool) place for people in Over-the-Rhine to rest and be served refreshments. In 1997, the ministry evolved into a weekly meal and over 52,000 meals were served from 2000-2004. Since the spring of 2005, the Community Lunch has been served the last Monday of each month. (The end-of-month is often a struggle for low-income individuals who run out of money and food as their monthly resources dwindle.) From the spring of 2005 through mid year 2008, over 11,000 meals have been served.

Want to become involved? You can help to continue this valuable ministry in several ways:

• Volunteer-No experience is necessary to volunteer! Simply come to the church the last Monday of the month before 11:30 a.m. and we will keep you busy! If you want more details, please call the church office. You are always welcome and appreciated!
• Donate-through this website you can make a donation to First Lutheran to be used to fund the Community Lunch.
• Sponsor a Meal-you and/or your organization can sponsor a Community Lunch. Call the church office to arrange.

Clothing Needed: Gently worn clothing is needed for our clothes closet downstairs for distribution to those in need. Men's clothing is most needed, especially underwear, jeans, socks, and sweatshirts.