With Thanksgiving approaching on Nov. 27, Bowling Green residents may face concerns about receiving hot meals this holiday season.
Following the uncertainty around the government shutdown since Oct. 1 and the distribution of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, more local organizations and businesses are stepping up to help give back to the community.
Bowling Green residents are offering free hot community meals—beyond the Falcon Food Pantry or the Brown Bag Food Project—for the upcoming holiday season.
The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo at Perrysburg Heights offers hot meals with no restrictions on the second and fourth Saturday of the month from 1-1:30 p.m.
The Fostoria Sharing Kitchen typically provides table-side served meals, but have switched temporarily to to-go meals from the front entrance on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
On Nov. 25, Christ’s Church is hosting their 34th annual free Thanksgiving Feast from 3-6 p.m., complete with classic holiday favorites.
St. Mark’s Lutheran church continues to provide their weekly free community meals on Wednesday evenings during the academic year with doors at 4:30 p.m. and food served at 5:00 p.m.
Pastor Robin Small, the pastor at St. Mark’s since 2022, expands on why these free community meals are significant to Bowling Green.
“St. Mark’s is known for community outreach. Many years ago, the community meal was started to offer a place for fellowship, food and a little bit of faith,” Small said.
“The meal is provided at no charge to our guests and all are invited…We are able to do this through partnerships with restaurants and businesses in the BG area. Some of our partners are Kroger, Campus Polly-Eyes, Pagliai’s South Main, Sunset Bistro, Kabob It, Guijillo’s, El Zarape, Call of the Canyon, Beckett and Country Farmhouse,” Small continues. “Also, individuals and groups volunteer to make dinners. We’ve had BGSU organizations prepare meals, too.”
All are welcome to attend and partake in the community dinners, without restriction or proof of food insecurity.
Small explained that others seek to support the program.
Bowling Green State University students and faculty volunteer and can register via BGSU Serves. Community members can sign up to make a homemade meal.
“Musicians are invited to take the stage to provide entertainment during the meal…Monetary donations are always welcome to help sustain the program,” Small said.
During this Thanksgiving holiday, Bowling Green community members are encouraged to stay well-fed and connected to the many resources around the area.
