Meals of Love is another avenue by which local Steelville community members are reaching out to fill one another—not only with food, but with fellowship, too. Home-cooked meals are served the last Saturday of each month at noon in the Steelville Community Center and anyone is invited to enjoy the delicious food, free of charge.
The idea began in the Center Point Baptist Church’s ladies mission group, when Ruth Diaz suggested they consider work on a local mission project. According to Janet Delcour, “We decided to reach out into the community to people who were feeling the stress of the economic times, senior citizens who found it difficult to prepare complete meals, people who have lost their spouse or live alone, and people who are home bound due to their health or lack of transportation.”
They determined to prepare a home-cooked meal each month and serve it at the community building. The first one was planned for September 2008.
“The first meal was prepared and ready to serve and no one came,” Delcour said. “We had advertised the meal but people just couldn’t believe we were serving a meal at no charge and with no strings attached. Several people went out on the streets, drove around town and invited people to come. They did and have returned each month. People look forward to the monthly gathering to enjoy good home-cooked food, visit with friends and enjoy the music. We serve up to 100 guests at the community center and deliver about 40 meals to our home-bound friends.”
Diaz reported their mission group served the first couple of months and then asked other area churches to become involved in the mission. Because they had started by distributing flyers to the Steelville Ministerial Alliance, that group was already aware of the endeavor, and was more than willing to participate. Men, women and youth from local churches assist by preparing food, setting up tables, serving, and cleaning up.
“No one has to contact those who help—the men show up to set up tables and deliver food. Young people volunteer to serve drinks, carry plates for our guests and help clean up. The ladies prepare food at home and show up with crock pots of hot food, salads, and desserts, help serve and wash dishes,” Delcour stated.
“We even have a house band,” Delcour added. “Pastors Mike Cooper, Jerry Beers and Matt Cook play and sing when they are available. Chester Delcour and Gabrielle Asher back them up on the guitar and bass guitar.”
The meals are organized by Delcour and Diaz working alongside Judy Brown. Richard Korte, a volunteer at the Steelville Food Pantry, ensures people are aware of the events and personally invites those who attend food distributions. Rosemary Gruver is also active in the mission.
The next Meals of Love will be on Saturday, Dec. 26 at noon in the Steelville Community Center. They will serve homemade stew, salad, dessert, coffee, tea and lemonade. 
Anyone interested in helping with this mission may contact Ruth Diaz at 775-3322 or Janet Delcour at 775-2013.