Harmony Free Will Baptist Church now serving meals two days a week

Published 1:22 pm Sunday, April 12, 2020

Harmony Free Will Baptist Church will begin serving meals two days a week this Wednesday.

The church, which already serves meals on Saturdays, is now also serving on Wednesdays due to a partnership with the Esselstyn Foundation and Bob’s Dairyland.

According to Brandon Young, pastor of the church, the partnership began after Joe and Sonya Miller of Bob’s Dairyland told him about their friend in Ohio who focused on plant-based eating. This was Brian Hart of the Esselstyn Foundation. He is now donating 100 plant-based meals to the church with Bob’s Dairyland for the next 14 Wednesdays.

“I asked what kind of plant-based food they’re going to do, and he said they would be doing salads, chili, soups and said it is very flavorful,” said Young. “His heart is in it that he wants people to see the benefits of healthy eating, but he also wants to give back to the community. He lives in Ohio, and he just knows there is such a need right now in rural Tennessee.”

According to Young, while this is served, children will be served an alternate meal each Wednesday, such as chicken nuggets or corn dogs.

Young said that their Saturday meals have already had a tremendous turnout, with people from all over the area coming to receive a meal. Last Saturday, they had 275 meals available, and this weekend it is 400.

“What was wonderful last week was, I would ask if I could pray over their car and their family,” he said. “Every one of them wanted me to do so, and said thank you and they were scared during this time. We prayed over every car that came through.”

This weekend’s meal will include spaghetti, garlic bread, bananas, cookies and a drink. Drinks and desserts will be coming from Free Will Baptist Ministries in Greeneville this Saturday.

Meals will be available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 4 p.m.

Those in need of food are simply asked to show up and tell how many meals they need. The number of people, such as children, do not have to be in attendance.

“Everyone is welcome,” he said. “We just want to be a help to the community. We want them to know that we love them, that God loves them and we are going to make it through this together.”