Hunger and Poverty

St. James Meals began in the early 2000s when St. James Sunday School teachers wanted to give our children opportunities to help others. The children made sandwiches and packed lunches to be handed out once a month. Two decades later, a brunch on the third Sunday of each month provides a full breakfast, toiletries, necessities, along with a sack lunch.

In 2010, Sandwich Sunday volunteers expanded the reach of our meals ministry by starting a lovingly-prepared dinner that first hosted seven guests. Now, on the first Tuesday of every month, the meal hosts around 150 guests. We are always looking for people who care about serving our underserved neighbors.

St. James Meals, occurring twice per month, is our home-cooked meal that is served to roughly 100 guests. If you are hungry will receive a hearty meal and are guaranteed to leave with a full belly, served with love and dignity. If you are looking to volunteer, you will find a joyful environment that will quickly feel like family. If you are looking to support financially, rest assured that your money will go to support your neighbors who need it most.

St. James Meals:

• The first Tuesday of the month 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 2 p.m.)
• The third Sunday of the month 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. (Doors open at 9 a.m.)

Meals Among Us is our bagged meal ministry that occurs weekly. On Sunday mornings we gather to pack 130 bagged meals that get delivered Monday mornings to our partners, Martin Temple AME Zion Church and LaTanya and the Youth of Englewood, on Chicago’s Southside.

Meals Among Us offers a great opportunity for people of all ages to volunteer including our younger members and families.