By CatholicVote | Created at 2025-01-14 20:01:15 | Updated at 2025-01-18 05:14:34
3 days ago
CV NEWS FEED // In a mission to provide hope and nourishment to the community, volunteers at All Saints Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are serving hot meals twice a week from the church basement for those in need.
Father Mike Wolfe, the church’s pastor, reported a remarkable increase in participation since the program’s revival after COVID-19, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Once averaging 70 meals per night, the program now serves up to 400 meals during peak times.
The program has gained particular momentum as rising grocery prices and inflation continue to impact local residents, making it increasingly difficult for many to access nutritious food.
“I like to think we’ve grown not because there’s more need, but because we do a great job and we serve a really good meal,” volunteer Tim Tarpey told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Before meals are served, attendees are welcomed to gather for prayer and reflection. Fr. Wolfe said that while the program offers food, its larger mission is to provide hope and support to those facing hardships.
“It’s really hard to feel hope if you’re just getting by with bland, cold food,” Fr. Wolfe said.
A small but dedicated team of volunteers play a critical role in the program’s success, spending hours of their time preparing and distributing balanced meals to struggling families, the homeless, and residents of the nearby rehabilitation centers.
“This can’t go on without our volunteers,” said Terry Ashley, a retired economics professor and an All Saints parishioner who coordinates the volunteers. “They are the ones who get things done in the end.”
Support for the program comes from a variety of sources, including partnerships with organizations like Hunger Task Force and Feeding America, as well as generous donations from local farmers.
