There’s a place in Lawrence where anyone can get a home-cooked meal, no questions asked. And that’s the way it’s been since LINK launched 40 years ago this month.
The Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen opened in the basement of St. John’s Catholic Church on Feb. 14, 1985. Six people were served, according to LINK’s website. Rev. Michael Hermes and Ethel Williamson were encouraged by local civic organizations to launch their idea after a 1984 study on hunger in Douglas County.
Nowadays, volunteers provide and serve the meal at 1 p.m. four days a week — Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday — in the basement of First Christian Church, near 10th and Kentucky. As always, all are welcome, whether they need a meal, companionship, a hot cup of coffee or all three.
On Thursday, student volunteers from St. John Catholic School greeted guests as they entered the kitchen. A steam table kept green beans warm alongside rice and noodle casseroles. Salad, buttered bread, milk, and a dessert of cake pops and cookies also were available down the line.
Meanwhile, two volunteers washed dishes and kept the food line stocked from behind the scenes. LINK Board President Amy Carlson made her way past the serving line to the dining area, where she talked with lunch guests.
One frequent guest said it was the warm meal that brought them back to LINK meal after meal. Diners at another table said they could depend on LINK for homemade food and strong coffee.
“Better than trying to get food at McDonald’s,” said John, a guest who has visited LINK for about a year. “The food here’s good.”
After all the tables were cleared Thursday, 116 meals had been shared with 96 people. 20 guests had received seconds. Altogether, about 500 lunches are served here each week. LINK volunteers prepare, serve and deliver the annual community Thanksgiving meal as well.
Carlson said LINK attendance had grown about 25% during the last year. About 60% of LINK’s diners are experiencing homelessness; diners also include those who want to eat in community, people who live or work nearby, and folks trying to make ends meet, especially near the end of the month.
“About 40% are just offsetting their budget,” Carlson said.
“You know LINK from the get-go has been, you can eat. No questions,” she said. “Anyone can eat here. It does serve a lot of people who would be hungry otherwise, but anyone can eat here.”
In-kind donations of food and service by local faith congregations, community groups and extracurricular youth organizations provide 77% of the cost of providing meals, Carlson said. Remaining support is provided through monetary donations.
All are invited to attend LINK’s 40th birthday bash at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 at LINK, 221 W. 10th St. Cake, ice cream, music and speeches are planned.
Paid LINK staff includes three part-time positions, one of which is vacant. An ideal job candidate, Carlson said, would have kitchen experience and availability to work 10 hours a week in a dynamic community setting where flexibility is a must. Interested job seekers can reach out to Carlson by phone at 785-550-8143.
To learn more about LINK, sign up to volunteer or to donate, visit the nonprofit organization’s website at linklawrence.org.
For a list of free meals provided in Lawrence, visit this link.
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Tricia Masenthin (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at tmasenthin (at) lawrencekstimes (dot) com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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