EECM TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE MEALS PROGRAM STARTING JANUARY 19

East End Cooperative Ministry is temporarily halting its Community Meals program starting January 19. The daily lunch open to all in the community at no cost will no longer be available for the foreseeable future. With limited resources and funding, EECM is concentrating its efforts on its food pantry, where the need has surged dramatically throughout 2025 as more neighbors slipped into food insecurity.

“This was not an easy decision,” said Dr. Diona Jones, President and CEO of EECM. “After realizing our economic position, we decided that it was in the best interest of the people we serve to amplify our efforts in the pantry vs. the community lunch. We hope to bring the Community Meals program back in its entirety once funding stabilizes.”

The decision comes after a tumultuous year of funding cuts and delays, which impacted the operation of the Community Meals program. Rising costs to keep the kitchen open also played a part in the decision.

EECM will still provide daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all residents of its Recovery House and Emergency Shelter. Anyone in need of groceries may visit the EECM food pantry from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every weekday.

To learn more about EECM and its programs, visit eecm.org. For more information regarding the Community Meals program closure, please email Emily Wentworth, Associate Development Director, at emilyw@eecm.org.