Community Meal Organizers Soldier On

"It started a long time ago and has always been the third Friday of the month," said Patty Williams, one of the organizers of the free community meal held at Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Road, Leola, on the third Friday of the month beginning at 5:55 p.m.

The program was initiated more than 20 years ago by Heather Furman. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, church members were feeding 60 to 100 area residents at a sit-down meal in the fellowship hall. "Everything changed for COVID," explained Williams, noting that the organizers switched to a takeout format in 2020. "But we didn't miss any meals."

The drive-through meal distribution is now accomplished by volunteers working under the church portico. Masked and gloved volunteers work out of coolers, handing out individual meals that were made and packed at the church. Meals include a main dish, such as macaroni and cheese, meatballs, chicken strips, pot pie, beef barbecue, or Amish wedding casserole, which mixes meats and sides associated with Thanksgiving. Side dishes are usually green beans, applesauce or fruit, and a dessert is included. In addition, the group also receives bread from Panera, which is handed out with bottles of water. Zion Lutheran partners with Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers, and volunteers from that church cook and distribute the meal every other month.

The church now gives away an average of 150 meals each month. Williams explained that since instituting the takeout system, volunteers work in crews to limit the number of people in a small area. "We have two cooks and two people to pack (in the kitchen)," said Williams, adding that this is a reduction from four packers previously. "Karen Brunken comes in on a Thursday to get everything ready," Williams stated, explaining that prep work includes packaging bread and butter or fruit and desserts. Williams lauded Marie Antolick's expertise in making macaroni and cheese, noting that Antolick arrives around 2 p.m. on the day of a meal distribution. Ron and Mary Smith take flyers to Nathan's Village, a nearby apartment complex, to put in doors prior to each meal, and Tara and Don Fausnaught deliver 65 meals to Nathan's Village Apartments and another 20 to Zook's Motel. "Pat Kohler puts together a nice prayer card to go with (the meals)," said Williams. Other volunteers include Lorraine Smoker, Ed and Salome Sieber, Cathy and Bruce Edling, Ethan Proch, Megan Bixler, Dottie Anderson, Keri Bloom, Jane Hurst, Paige and Sydney Harris, and Nazie Davenshar. "There are many more who helped with the meals pre-COVID, and the entire congregation supports our meals ministry," Williams noted.

Williams reported that 1,765 meals were served in 2020, and that more than 1,600 had been served by November 2021.

In addition to the monthly meal, volunteers prepare and deliver 60 meals to Grace Lutheran Church in Lancaster four times per year, during months that have five Wednesdays. "We make (the meals) and put them in coolers and deliver them, and they give them out in their parking lot," said Williams.

There is no need to register to pick up a meal. Readers who would like to know more about the church may visit http://www.zionleola.org. Those who have specific questions may call 717-656-9200.