Looking for a new neighborhood outreach idea? Something to nourish people’s hearts and health? Read on to discover how one church makes and delivers bagged lunches to neighbors every Saturday.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Broaden this silly statement to people of all ages, and it just might be true. At least that’s what a church in Virginia discovered when they began a bagged lunch ministry to an affordable housing neighborhood in their community. With time and consistency, this church family has touched hearts and nourished bodies. And they’ve helped people grow in relationship with Jesus and each other. How cool is that? Read on to find out how God has worked through their loving lunches.

This story comes from Erma Williams. Erma is a long-time friend of Group. Perhaps you’ve met her on our VBS training circuit over the years! Erma has been involved in children and youth ministries for about 45 years! She’s part of a small church in Roanoke Valley, Virginia. This congregation has a lot of love for each other and their community.

How Loving Lunches Began

In June of 2022, church members learned of a new affordable housing neighborhood nearby. A conversation with a resident of this new neighborhood sparked the beginning of a beautiful friendship. A group of church members had been praying for a service opportunity, and here it was! Based on the needs expressed by the neighborhood resident, church members developed a service plan: They’d pack bagged lunches, park at central location in the neighborhood, and hand out the lunches, offering nourishment to anyone who needed it. (The neighborhood has a community center/office building. Its parking lot has been the perfect spot.)

Erma explains, “We started with about 30 lunches. We are now at around 80 to 90 bagged lunches. We aim to be consistent and dependable. This population has been made so many promises with no follow-through. It took a lot of time to gain trust that we are here for the long haul. We’re not going to come in to make a big bang and then leave to never be heard from again.”

If church members aren’t able to provide lunches on a given weekend, Erma will text several recipient families to let them know. Clear communication has helped to build trust and friendship.

How Loving Lunches Works

When Erma’s church first started this outreach, participating church members would each bring a lunch ingredient to contribute. But they soon realized how tricky it is to assemble lunches in the back of a car!

Erma explains their current lunch-making process: “We currently have two to four people making and then bringing the bagged lunches to the community center/office.” With safety food-handling best practices in mind, the team makes sure at least two people are prepping and distributing lunches each Saturday. Lunches feature…

• sandwiches (ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, or PB&J—Uncrustables are a favorite!),
• chips,
• cookies, and
• frozen Go-Gurt tubes (by request).

Church members value a balanced diet. So sometimes fruit or fruit bars replace cookies. The lunch team has a plan for leftovers, too. Sometimes they give to other families connected to the church, or they donate the extra lunches to a local rescue mission.

Loving Lunches God Sightings

Erma recalls, “We met one little boy with a big personality. He mentioned he wants to be a preacher when he grows up. We invited him and his mom and five siblings to church services. Our minister ‘interviewed’ him for 2 minutes prior to the sermon one Sunday. By doing this, we showed him and his family they are seen, important, and loved by Jesus and us.”

Erma shares another story!

“We had a 4-year-old, nonverbal boy who we constantly poured into with love, hugs, and smiles. When he finally said, ‘Good morning’ to us one Saturday, our whole group cheered, clapped and, of course cried.” Though the boy has moved to live with another family member, his new friends from Erma’s church continue to pray for him.

Erma tells about one more God Sighting: In the early months of the food outreach program, a middle-aged couple came to faith! She says that “the seed had already been planted by another congregation we know, but I believe our consistent presence and engagement got them over the finish line.”

Erma admits that she and other church members had a lot to learn about the families they befriend and serve through this bagged lunch outreach. But with some courage, authenticity, and vulnerability, this Saturday routine has nourished hearts and stomachs in a small but mighty way!

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Looking for more ways to serve your community? Consider these “21 Outreach Ideas for Kids to Help Grow Your Church Family.”