(BIVN) – The weekly Waimea Community Meal at the St James Pavilion was recently documented by Lynn Beittel of Visionary Video, who recorded interviews with the volunteers as they prepared a feast of tuna casserole for the needy – and everyone else, too.

Organizers shared this media release:

The Waimea Community Meal began in December 2016 as an outreach ministry of St. James Church, with a handful of volunteers and a dream of feeding those who are experiencing hunger both in body, and in spirit. In the first year more than 12,000 meals were served. Now, between 300 and 360 people are fed each week.

The main meal is served at the St James Pavilion every Thursday between 4.30pm and 6pm. Meals are also delivered to Kupuna by the Big Island Giving Tree in elderly housing complexes in Waimea, houseless persons at nearby beaches, and many needy families. Fresh salads and baked treats are packed and delivered along with 90-110 hot meals. The Pavilion hosts over 200 people – including over 40 kids – who enjoy fellowship, great live music, and a tasty dinner.

There are many involved – between 40 and 50 volunteers every week, including the Chop Crew in the morning, the cooks, the packers and deliverers, the setup and servers, and clean-up crew. In addition to St James congregation and the Big Island Giving Tree, there are many individual volunteers and groups such as Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, HPA students, Starbucks staff, and visiting church youth groups that have helped prep and serve.

Financially, the Meal is supported by St James’ Church. It also benefits hugely from in-kind donations from famers and bakers and monetary donations from individuals. A single Meal Sponsorship costs $500, and is open to individuals and companies – who can be credited with banners and posters at the event. Please contact the Meal Coordinator Susan Dela Cruz for more information, at eat@stjameshawaii.org, or (808) 498-7383.

Farmers and bakers who regularly donate to the Waimea Community Meal are: Kawamata Farms, Honopua Farm, Tepa Farm, Hudson Hothouses, Real Farm, Huluhulu Farm, Mother Nature’s Miracle Farm, Mamane Bakery, Sandwich Isles Bakery, and Starbucks. Community Meal Sponsors so far include MacArthur Sotheby’s Realty, Clark Realty, and Elite Realty.

When you’re next in Waimea on a Thursday – go and check out their Community Meal! They are indeed building community, one Meal at a time.