On the fourth Monday of each month, Zion Lutheran Church provides a free meal for the community that is special in more ways than one.
Table of Plenty is a meal service that offers something for those who hunger for more than just a hot meal, and 2024 marks their first full year back since the COVID 19 pandemic.
Students from Aberdeen Central’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter have also volunteered to help with Table of Plenty.
“It’s about cultivating a community in Aberdeen,” Nicole Schutter said. “People from all walks of life come in. Since coming back, it’s been amazing to see all of the new people who have come.”
Table of Plenty began in the fall of 2013. Schutter and her family moved to Aberdeen from Elk Point in 2010, and the idea came from meals that were served at her old church.
Table of Plenty was designed to be a dignifying experience that can help fulfill many needs beyond food.
“Sometimes the need is companionship,” Schutter said. “For some people it’s for time. People running between different activities don’t always have time to cook, clean, and enjoy a meal. Some older guests use it as a way to socialize.”
Each meal is complete with an entree and sides, and coffee and dessert are served afterwards. If the monthly meal would happen to fall on a Monday that is a holiday, it is held on the following Tuesday instead. Table of Plenty meals are served from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.
Schutter also said that they are always looking for more meal sponsors and volunteers.
“The volunteers keep the flow going,” she said. “Everyone who shows up has a role that they fill.”
Every bit of food is used regardless of each meal’s attendance. Zion Lutheran Church has a freezer meal program, so extra meals are frozen and distributed to those in need on later dates. Schutter said that extra meals have also been taken to staff members at the police station, fire department, and emergency rooms, as well as organizations like New Beginnings and The Journey Home.
Schutter said that before COVID, there were close to 300 people who showed up to each meal. There is no registration required – both volunteers and guests are welcome to show up to any meal that they can attend. //
For more information, visit the Table of Plenty Facebook page or call the church at 605-225-6755.
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