On Thursday, April 25, 2019, First Presbyterian Church of Morrison, IL, will celebrate their 10th anniversary of hosting Free Community Meals. The celebratory meal on April 25 will feature roasted beef tenderloin, grilled marinated chicken breasts, rosemary baked potatoes, honey glazed carrots, buttered corn, fresh green salad, beverages, and desserts.
The Free Community Meals strive to offer a high-quality, well-balanced meal, with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Located at First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Lincolnway, meals occur on the second and last Thursdays of each month, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. (in June through August, last Thursdays only.) The church is handicap accessible, and all are welcome.
The congregation began hosting meals in April 2009, with the hope of reaching out to those affected by the recession and those looking for a social outlet. Not knowing who would show up or how they would continually pay for the meals, the congregation decided to give it a trial run. Approximately 50 people from around the community attended the first meal, and enough money was left in the donation basket to cover the costs.
For the first five years, meals were hosted by different committees and groups within the church and served around 50 people per meal. In 2014, the meals shifted to being led by a core volunteer base from within the church. However, new faces are welcomed at almost every meal to help prepare, serve, and clean-up. Volunteers are the only reason this program is so successful! The church is thankful for everyone, from age 2 to 102, who have chopped vegetables, set tables, sliced desserts, washed dishes, served food, cleaned tables, and performed countless other tasks.
Today, Free Community Meals has grown to an average of over 90 people served per meal. Plus an average of 25 carry-out meals are delivered to those unable to attend. Meals continue to be fueled by monetary donations from those dining, as well as in-kind donations from local businesses and the Sauk Valley Food Bank. Excess monetary donations are fed back into kitchen upkeep and equipment upgrades.
Come share a meal with us, as First Presbyterian Church celebrates a decade of feeding our community.