GraceFeast, A Community Gathers

The fellowship hall at Gift of Grace Lutheran was filled today as the volunteers prepared and served a free hearty meal to the community. Everyone is welcomed at GraceFeast, the mission is to bring together neighbors and provide a meal to those who need it. Powered totally by volunteers and donations, it is truly neighbors helping neighbors. You can read one volunteer’s story here.

Sitting down with Steve, a regular, highlighted the changes the homeless community has seen over his 30 years in Seattle. He commented on the silver lining of the economic downturn as resources for the poor have increased dramatically. He can now find a meal somewhere in Seattle everyday. He also noted however that his concern for safety has increased, particularly overnight. He has been attending for several months and described it as a relaxed, no pressure atmosphere to share a meal.

New this week was the addition of musical entertainment to accompany lunch. Another GraceFeast regular, Mark, played his acoustic guitar. He comes every week and overheard some volunteers saying they wanted to have music and he jumped at the opportunity. Mark plays guitar and piano and has been in Seattle for 4 years now. He is now unemployed despite his college degree. GraceFeast hopes to continue having music every week and are looking for family friendly acoustic performers.

GraceFeast has been slowly growing from its humble start last October. Now, feeding up to 50 people a week, they are always looking for more support. They are in need of food donations, set-up/cooking/cleaning help, but most importantly they want to share a meal with you. You can join them every Sunday at noon, at the Gift of Grace Lutheran Church on 40th and Meridian. For more information or to get involved you can contact Vivian.

Salad greens donated by Irwin’s.