Everyday, starting at 11:30am, over 100 people gather for lunch in the basement of Lafayette Ave Presbyterian Church.  There, at the Loaves and Fishes dining room of Concerned Ecumenical Ministries, they are served a hot, balanced meal, by volunteers from all walks of life.

In addition to physical nourishment, diners also find community, rest, and connection to other resources. 

I believe it is actually part of what makes Elmwood Avenue great.  Why?  Because it creates community among people that might otherwise struggle alone, because it means that nobody will go hungry, no matter how bad the circumstances, and because a little bit of help with food sometimes means being able to afford shelter or medicine.

This kitchen is almost run entirely by volunteers, and funded by donations.  A fun way to support the ongoing work of Loaves and Fishes is by running the Diner Dash 4 miler (or participating in the two mile walk.) on Friday, September 10.

The race follows the course of the Subaru chase, with the start moved slightly South to the Loaves and Fishes dining room.  Your entry entitles you to socks from the sock guy and admission to the after party.

Sign up to run today, if only for the amusement of witnessing an overweight pastor wheeze his way through four miles.

Finally, if you live/travel on the race route (Elmwood, Forest, Delaware, or Summer), thank you for your patience as the runners race past.