Who said there’s no such thing as a free lunch?

Clearly, a caring group from Living Word would beg to differ.

We’re just trying to take it to the streets and give it back to the people,” said Dave Madeiros.

Madeiros decided to start the Living Word Food Ministry because he knows what hard times are like. He’s been there. At one point Madieiros, himself, relied on the North Whidbey Help House for the food in his cupboards. Those days are past, but his gratitude is deeply ingrained.

Madeiros kick-started the food ministry this summer with a group from Living Word, serving lunch every other Thursday at the North Whidbey Help House. All the food served during the lunches are donations from Living Word.

“We didn’t want to take away from the Help House donations,” he said.

The lunchtime offering became so popular, Madeiros decided to do it every week. The group is taking the month of December off, but will resume the free lunch service in January.

Now that winter is here, the group is also collecting coats to hand out to those that need them.

“I come down here every Thursday because now it’s time to give it back,” he said.

Where to find

a free lunch

The Living Word Food Ministry serves lunch every Thursday at the North Whidbey Help House, 1091 SE Hathaway St. in Oak Harbor. Contact Living Word at 675-5008 for more information about the food ministry or to make a donation.