Parkland Comes Together to Share a Meal

Last Friday, September 19th, Trinity Lutheran hosted their monthly community meal in the church kitchen. The meal provides community members a chance to come together, share a vegetarian meal, and get to know their neighbors. Trinity Lutheran’s hunger ministry has a long history of providing food to their neighbors in need. According to Hunger Committee Member Kurt Scearce, twenty five years ago Trinity Lutheran started their community pantry and has been moving forward ever since. In 2007 the ministry added the community meal. “The food pantry was too impersonal.” Scearce recalled. Trinity Lutheran partners with the PLU community garden, Zestful Gardens, Mother Earth Farm, and Little Eorthe Farm to provide fresh organic produce to diners. By partnering with these producers Trinity is able to provide the kind of high quality, organic, locally grown food vulnerable populations don’t usually have access too.

Photo Courtesy of Trinity Lutheran Church

While emergency food is a cornerstone of Trinity’s anti-hunger program, Scearce also noted a strong “Teach a man to fish” mentality. Trinity offers ready made raised bed garden boxes to families in need so that they can grow their own produce. Scearce noted an increased connection with PLU helps the ministry better provide for the community. Alma Hicks, of Midland, expressed similar praise for PLU, especially the students who volunteer at Trinity. Those interested in volunteering with the hunger ministry can inquire at the church office. A volunteer contact form is available. The next community meal will be October 18th. Trinity welcomes all.