On just about any day of the week, one could find Athens community members and students coming together at local philanthropic organizations to provide a free meal to the community.
“We applaud the effort of organizations that help people in the community who are struggling,” said Arian Smedley, community relations coordinator at Athens County Job and Family Services.
Many of these organizations are faith-based, but some are of no set faith.
But despite one’s religious beliefs, these meals, open to all, are ways to build a sense of community, Smedley said.
“Without these programs people would have to rely just on their neighbors and family,” Smedley said. “We have such a tight community that people already help each other out.”
The Tuesday night meal at Athens Church of Christ, located at 785 W. Union St., was started as an effort to feed Athens’ hungry during the holidays.
“We started doing a Thanksgiving meal 22 years ago,” volunteer Beverly Guider said. “It didn’t take long to become a weekly meal.”
Those looking to contribute to the Church of Christ’s Tuesday meal can donate food items, Guider added.
“Anyone who doesn’t have a meal can come and get a free meal. Students are also welcome,” Guider said.
Students may also attend dinner on Thursdays and lunch on Saturdays at United Campus Ministry, 18 N. College St.
“UCM provides two free meals to feed community members who may not have ready access to healthy well-balanced meals on a regular basis,” Student Intern Krista Mobley said.
Students are encouraged to not only attend the meal but also help prepare it.
“The free meals is an amazing opportunity to create a connection between the university community and the rest of Athens,” Mobley said.
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Free Meal Schedule:
Monday: Noon at First United Methodist Church, 2 College St.
Tuesday: 5:30-6:30 at Athens Church of Christ, 785 W. Union St.
Wednesday: Noon at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 64 University Terrace•
Thursday: UCM at 5:30 p.m., 18 N. College St.
Friday: 4:30 p.m. Good Works, location varies
Saturday: UCM at 1 p.m., 18 N. College St.
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ource:
Athens County Job and Family Services website
