A Eureka church is looking for volunteers to help provide a hot meal once a month to those in need.
St. Francis’ Episcopal Church is organizing drive-thru pickup events the fourth Sunday of each month, and other area churches and organizations are helping with the Meal Ministry program.
The monthly event started Jan. 23 at the area commonly known as The Spur, 394 S. Central Avenue, in Eureka. The second event was Feb. 27, and a third food pickup is scheduled for 2-3 p.m. March 27 at The Spur.
In April, the mission will change locations to the Wm. F. “Bud” Weber Community Center, 333 Bald Hill Road, in Legion Park, but the time will remain at 2-3 p.m.
While members of St. Francis, 602 Rockwood Arbor Drive, are the driving force behind the monthly meals, organizers say they need more help.
Donna Bernert, the church’s coordinator of service and justice, said the first Meal Ministry was staffed completely by church members, and the February event included volunteers from the Eureka Food Pantry.
She said volunteers from LaSalle Retreat Center, YMCA and the Buren Chapel AME Church in Herculaneum are scheduled to either provide food or volunteer during the drive-thru pickups over the next few months.
“St. Francis will be the glue that keeps each month together,” said the Rev. Laurie Anzilotti of St. Francis. “We’ll be providing the leadership and oversight and coordination.”
Anyone who needs a meal is invited to pick up food during the Meal Ministries.
The idea
Bernert said she began working on the concept in June 2021.
“We wanted to be more invested in feeding the neighbors who are close to us,” she said.
Members of St. Francis had already been providing meals to those in need at a location about 45 minutes from Eureka.
“St. Francis has been serving at Trinity Central West End Episcopal Church (in St. Louis) for 20 years, four times a year,” Anzilotti said. “There was already that outreach within this congregation.”
The desire to help those in Eureka and the surrounding areas was the idea behind Meal Ministries.
“It was just a wonder to see all this work come to fruition,” said Bernert, who lives in the Jefferson County area of Eureka.
Bernert said it takes about 10 to 12 people to staff a Meal Ministry event, and anyone interested in providing or serving food can call 636-938-3733.
She also said it is important that more than just church members are involved in the mission.
“I kind of want to show Eureka that we are more than just our religion,” she said. “We are more than just a Christian religion.”
Serving
Bernert said about 14 prepared meals were served during the first Food Ministry in January, and about 39 meals were handed out in February.
She said leftover food is taken to the Agape Help House of Pacific, 120 Lamar Parkway.
“It all goes to people in need,” said Bernert.
She said typically 100 meals are prepared for each drive-thru event.
On Feb. 27, the menu included fried chicken, potato salad, cole slaw and cookies.
Elaine Hall, 64, of Eureka said she drove to the event to get meals for her two elderly neighbors. She said she helps her neighbors out regularly with food and was excited to give them something different.
“They are going to be thrilled – a hot meal delivered,” Hall said.
Brad, Darla and Kennedy Baker volunteered at the February event. The Eureka family regularly volunteer at the Eureka Food Pantry, which is based at The River at Eureka church, 215 N. Central Ave.
“As a parent, it’s cool to be able to share this experience with your kids,” said Brad Baker, 58. “They see that not everyone is like them and it’s good to help out.”
Kennedy Baker, 22, said she enjoys volunteering with her mother and father and is impressed by all who help during the event.
“They are all doing it for the right reason,” she said of her fellow volunteers. “You can tell everyone enjoys it here.”
Sally Hader, 80, of Eureka, a member of St. Francis, said she has worked at both events.
“There are a lot of underserved people in our area and those are the people who get left behind,” she said.
Ellen Ogier, 67, of Union, who also is a member of St. Francis, said it is important to help out others in the community.
“I just feel like God has really blessed my life and I want to give back,” she said.