After a two-year absence because of the pandemic, the Shepherd's Kitchen meal ministry is once again being offered at Honey Brook Presbyterian Church.

As part of the program, free dinners are served at the church on the first Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The meal includes an entree, salad, side dishes, dessert and beverages.

"Our last meal was in March of 2020, and we were closed for (more than) two years. (Past attendees) were asking for us to open again," said volunteer Lynn Klumpp, noting that the first meal back was held in July, and it featured spaghetti with bread and salad.

August's meal had a summer picnic theme with hamburgers and hot dogs and all the fixings along with fresh watermelon.

Those who attend the meal are also offered free nonperishable food items and baked goods. "Giant gives us desserts and bread and we use them for our meals, and we give out (the rest)," Klumpp said. The canned goods are provided by the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB).

No proof of residence or income is required to take part in the meal, which is open to people of all ages, including seniors, young families with children and individuals who don't want to dine alone.

Those who attend the meal on a regular basis include residents of St. Mary of Providence, Tel Hai Retirement Community and Honeybrook Gardens Apartments. "We do a have a lot of seniors that look forward to coming out. They are on a fixed budget and they (can be) lonely," said Klumpp. "We had a group of ladies from Honey Brook Gardens (attend July's meal), and they sent us a thank-you note thanking us for opening back up again."

"Everyone enjoys the fellowship," added volunteer Arleen Zomer. "It is good for people to get out and enjoy a time of fellowship. A lot of older folks can't afford to go out to eat."

All food is prepared by volunteers. While most volunteers at the meal are congregation members, people from the community also assist with the ministry. "We want to help the community any way we can," Klumpp added.

The next scheduled meal will take place on Thursday, Sept. 1. The menu will include barbecue sandwiches, baked beans and macaroni and cheese.

Honey Brook Presbyterian Church is located at 4331 Horseshoe Pike (Route 322), Honey Brook. For more information, contact the church at 610-273-2848 or visit http://www.honeybrookpres.org. More information is also available by searching for "Honey Brook Presbyterian Church" on Facebook.

Volunteers are needed to help with meal preparation and to pick up food at the CCFB and bread and dessert items from Giant in Exton. To learn about volunteer opportunities, contact the church.