Our first task force, called Feeding Our Hungry Neighbors, is an example of building upon several already well-established programs in this area. Our hope is to further strengthen and expand those programs and to increase their visibility and staying power. The needs of our hungry neighbors in Muncie and Delaware Co. are, indeed, great and on the rise. Here are some of our congregation’s efforts to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition in our community.

Meals for the Christian Ministries Sleeping Room

For many years, with the ongoing leadership of Linda and Connie Gregory, Unitarian Universalist volunteers have prepared and served (and often contributed the supplies for) breakfast and supper during the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas at this shelter for homeless men in downtown Muncie. This organization also operates a food pantry and shelters for homeless families and women. Its current needs are greater than ever.

Box Lunches for the Harvest Soup Kitchen

For many years, on the last Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m., a small group of UU volunteers make simple lunches to go and deliver them on Monday morning to the Harvest Soup Kitchen located at the old St. Lawrence school on East Charles St. This dedicated group, led for a long time by Marian Cooley, could definitely use more help.

Lunch Preparation at Harvest Soup Kitchen

A few UU volunteers (including chef Kirk Robey and Bea Sousa) are part of the Friday crew which prepares hot and hearty lunches for up to 100 guests on Friday mornings. (Other groups cover the other days of the week.) A wide range of food donations support our work--from Ball State, Ivy Tech, Marsh, Lahody’s, Little Caesar’s Pizza, and the Wednesday vendors at the Farmer’s Market, to name a few. We also receive free produce and staples at a reasonable cost from Second Harvest Food Bank.