Seven Ripon-area churches are beginning the Sharing Table, a monthly nutritious meal for people in Ripon and Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Winnebago counties.

The meals will be served in the Fellowship Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 430 W. Griswold St., Ripon, on the second Tuesday of the month beginning March 13 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

“The project goal is to provide one nutritious meal per week to families and individuals in financial, social or spiritual need,” said Leesa McShane, a member of Grace Lutheran who is one of the Sharing Table coordinators. “Our longer-range goals include nutrition education and enhancing available social services. Our intent is to expand the program as needed.”

The Sharing Table is inspired by Luke 3:11: “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

Grace Lutheran, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, First Congregational Church, and Immanuel United Methodist Church are combining to provide the Sharing Table. Representatives from the Ripon Area School District, the Salvation Army, the Brandon Food Pantry, UW–Extension and Community Health Network also are participating.

The Ripon, Berlin and Green Lake food pantries each provide food to 200 families each month, and are getting new assistance requests from 20 to 30 new families each week.

First Congregational Church has been hosting a free dinner the fourth Tuesday of each month since 2009. Grace Lutheran provides a free Thanksgiving meal. St. Peter’s formerly hosted Breaking Bread, a free monthly meal.

“The time has come to expand on what has been started,” said Dale Both, a member of First Congregational Church who is a Sharing Table coordinator. “By providing a monthly dinner and fellowship, the Sharing Table will be able to have an additional impact on persons of need, whether that need is financial, spiritual, or companionship.”

The Sharing Table is the recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Webster Foundation of Ripon.

Everyone is welcome to share the meal and fellowship.

A map to Grace Lutheran can be found at the church’s website, www.gracelutheranripon.com.