Synod Spotlight: Come for Supper

The concept of offering a weekly meal was initially suggested to the congregation by members of Our Savior’s Social Ministry Team, in response to Jesus’ directive to love our neighbors as we have been loved by God. The inaugural meal was served on Tuesday, December 3, 1996, with 35 guests attending; this figure has since grown to over 200 meals served weekly.

Come for Supper is a community outreach initiative of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Held on Tuesday evenings from 4:00 to 5:30, individuals coming for a complimentary meal can dine in, take their food to go, or opt for a quick carry-out (two meals per person). The meals are wholesome, comprising a hot main dish alongside fresh fruits, salad, bread, cottage cheese, and a hot vegetable.

Volunteers, many from Our Savior’s congregation, run Come for Supper. Prior to the pandemic, local congregations assisted with volunteers and food donations. During the height of the pandemic, meals were exclusively take-out. As diners appreciated the convenience of take-out, the current hybrid option of dine-in/take-out was introduced when in-person dining resumed.

Most of the food served at Come for Supper is supplied by The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, with additional contributions from local businesses like Panera and Festival Foods. Some food items are purchased, especially fresh produce. These expenses accumulate; Our Savior’s expresses gratitude to every La Crosse Area Synod congregation that offers financial support.

The Come For Supper Team takes pride in having missed only one Tuesday of serving guests in the past 28 years (due to a snowstorm).

If you wish to contribute to Come for Supper, there are specific food items that are always in demand: egg noodles, butter, and fresh fruit. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Our Savior’s- La Crosse church office at 608-782-3468 or visit https://bit.ly/ComeforSupper to sign up.