Bend’s Family Kitchen is currently serving an average of 700 meals per week for those in need. Last year at this time, the average was close to 400.

Family Kitchen operates behind the “red doors” at Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 469 N.W. Wall St. in downtown Bend, serving meals six days a week. (On Sunday, Bend’s Community Center offers a meal service.)

A sit-down lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; a sack lunch is offered from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday. A sit-down dinner is offered from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Donations are welcomed in the form of money or bulk food items. One paid, part-time staff coordinator works with a tight budget to provide low-cost meals. Volunteers make nutritious meals served restaurant-style to anyone who needs a healthy meal in a safe and caring environment, no questions asked.

Contact: www.familykitchen.org or e-mail thayerdd@earthlink.net.

— From staff reports