Ministry serves food weekly to people in need

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Every Sunday afternoon for nearly three-and-a-half years, Mike McKinley has been joined by volunteers who help feed those in the Mobile community who are in need.

Around 4 p.m., the homeless, hungry, working poor — anyone who is in need of a hot meal — can stand in line for no cost at the St. Louis Street Missionary Baptist Church.

McKinley said the “one meal” ministry began when his daughter was 13 and wanted to reach out and help the homeless.

“There’s so many people in line with similar stories. No work, out of work, ran out of money and they lose everything,” McKinley said.

The ministry has relocated several times over the last 3 years. It’s currently serving from the St. Louis Street Missionary Baptist Church parking lot and McKinley said they stay busy, serving about 150-175 meals weekly.

The McKinley’s either pay for the food themselves or collect donations in order to feed the hungry. McKinley said, with a nod to hunters, deer and hog meat are welcome as donations. 

“I’ve had days where we have had nothing to serve and all of a sudden I have a lot of volunteers who donate everything,” said McKinley. “We say a prayer and the Lord says here’s some food. ”

McKinley said he has not missed a Sunday yet, and he doesn’t plan on missing one in the future. Rain or shine, McKinley said he will be there serving people like Vann Moore.

“It’s a blessing for those who do not have money or are trying to save what you’ve got because of the economy,” Moore said. “It’s good to get to know the church ministry and get in contact with God because if you get in contact with God, your life will change in the end.”

If you would like to donate, you can call 251-379-9014 or send an e-mail to onemeal@bellsouth.net.