ELLSWORTH — All are welcome at The Welcome Table, a free community meal program now offered at the First Congregational Church of Ellsworth.

The suppers began May 16 and will be held every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the church fellowship hall at 2 Church St. (opposite City Hall).

“We try to provide a healthy, well-balanced meal but also a place for the community to get together,” said Kara Ibarguen, chairman of the church’s Board of Missions, as she prepared a vegetable platter.

She said the board was seeking a new outreach project when members were approached by Nancy Daly, former consultant for Everybody Eats, about hosting weekly free suppers.

“It was just very serendipitous that Nancy came to us and wanted to start another meal,” Ibarguen said.

The program is similar to Everybody Eats, which is held on Monday evenings at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church on State Street.

Anyone is welcome regardless of income. Donations are accepted but not expected.

The meals serve dual purposes: to feed the hungry and give everyone in the community an opportunity to socialize.

“There’s a need for this seven days a week,” Daly said.

For more community news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.