Food and Friendship Ministry

The Heart of Our Community: Food & Friendship

At Capitol Hill UMC, we strive to be the heart of God in our community. Food & Friendship is our core expression of that mission. It is more than just providing a meal; it is about extending loving hospitality to our neighbors, housed and unhoused alike. We believe that regardless of background, we all share a common need for connection.

A Ministry of Love, 365 Days a Year

What began over 15 years ago as a simple offering of breakfast cereal has grown into a vital lifeline. Today, we open our doors every single morning to welcome those hungry for nourishment and connection.

Last year alone, with the help of over 60 dedicated volunteers, we served nearly 10,000 meals. But the numbers only tell half the story. We have become a bridge to social workers and healthcare, a place for Bible study, and—during the pandemic—a consistent source of "Grab-n-Go" meals when the world shut down.

Ready to Serve?

We can only do this work because of compassionate people like you. If you are looking to live out your faith and values, we invite you to join us by helping prepare a meal, serving a cup of coffee, or simply offering a listening ear and friendly smile to our guests.

Serve on a Weekend (Sat-Sun, 8:45am-10:30am):

Sign Up to Serve or Bring Meals

Serve on a Weekday (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-10:30am):

Let Us Know You're Coming

Food & Friendship Serving FAQs

  • Absolutely! When you arrive, our core volunteers will walk you through everything. No experience is needed to pour coffee, serve meals, or make simple ham & cheese sandwiches.

  • During the week, Monday through Friday, please enter through our side door which faces the parking lot. At the door, ring the doorbell and someone will come to let you in.

    On the weekends, Saturday and Sunday, please enter through our main doors facing Seward Square Park.

  • Yes! We love having families serve together. Children of all ages can help hand out items or serve snacks with your adult supervision.

  • Meal Preparation & Guidance

    • Quantity: Please prepare 30-35 individual meals.

    • Meal Ideas: Both simple and more elaborate meals are deeply appreciated.

      • Simple Sack Lunch: A classic and wonderful choice.

      • Sandwiches: You can offer a variety (e.g., turkey, roast beef, ham), but please label each bag clearly with the type of sandwich inside. Including cheese, lettuce, and tomato is a great addition.

      • Sides: Include a side like chips, pretzels, or a fruit cup. Easy-to-eat fresh fruit like bananas or grapes is also great.

      • Drink (Optional): While not required in every bag, including a small water bottle is always helpful. Alternatively, bringing a separate case of water for distribution is a fantastic contribution, especially on warm days.

      • Packaging: Pack everything in a lunch sack or gallon-sized bag.

    • Hot Meals: These are a real treat for our guests.

      • Guidance: We suggest a hearty main course. Popular Favorites includeroasted or BBQ chicken/pork with potatoes or rice and a vegetable; turkey with trimmings; lasagna; or meatloaf with sides. A simple dessert is also a wonderful addition.

      • Packaging: Please package hot meals in individual to-go containers

    Food Safety Tips

    • Food Safety: Please transport cold food in a cooler and hot food in insulated containers to maintain a safe temperature until delivery. Please avoid common allergens like peanuts and other nuts.

    • Using the Church Kitchen: You are welcome to use the church kitchen to prepare or heat your meal. We also have packaging supplies (like to-go clamshells) available for your use. Please contact ryan@chumc.net to coordinate a time to use the facilities.

    Logistics: Drop-Off & Serving

    • Drop-Off Time & Location: Please arrive by 9:30 AM or earlier. On Sundays, the earlier, the better!

      • Saturdays: Front lobby of the church.

      • Sundays: Side parking lot door.

    • On-Site Contact: The on-site Lead for the day will be there to greet you. Their name and contact information will be listed on the Sign-Up Genius for that date. If you’re unsure of who to contact, reach out to ryan@chumc.net.

    Staying to Serve (Optional, if you aren’t signed up for the full 8:45am shift)

    You are welcome to simply drop off the meals, but we would love to have you stay and help with distribution!

    • Saturday Serving: 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

    • Sunday Serving: 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

    A Note on Cost

    Preparing these meals is a donation, and we are incredibly grateful for your contribution. However, we never want the cost of food to be a barrier to service. If you need financial support to purchase ingredients, please reach out to ryan@chumc.net directly to discuss options.

Other Ways to Support Our Pantry

If you cannot join us in person, you can still help keep our doors open. We are always grateful for:

  • Food: Eggs, meats, milk, coffee, bagged lunches (for weekends), and baked goods.

  • Supplies: Paper goods (cups, lids, to-go containers, utensils, napkins).

  • Financial Gifts: Marked for "Food and Friendship" via our giving portal.

Questions? We’d love to chat! Contact Rob Farley or Ryan Clements.

 

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