As the weather turns cooler, we snuggle in to enjoy hearty soups and cheesy casseroles. But for those living in food insecurity, the outlook is not so toasty.

That’s why volunteers at Apex-based Brown Bag Ministry keep on bagging lunches, to serve those who wait in line for something, anything to eat.   

“When someone is willing to wait in line for a bagged lunch, there’s a need,” said David Legarth, board chair of the all-volunteer, faith-based charity.

“We serve lunches on Saturdays to fill a gap in the services to the homeless and those living in poverty. Our weekly lunch is usually a bologna and cheese sandwich, fruit, a crunchy item like chips or a granola bar, dessert and water.”

While its mission to feed the hungry may be simple, the coordination behind the task is anything but, as food is gathered from area donors, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and bulk-buy stores.

Each Saturday morning, volunteers gather at five area locations to prepare and deliver 2,700 lunches.  

The tagline of Brown Bag Ministry is Let Hope Fly, representing the whole-person effect of the ministry.

“Those who receive our lunches get a meal, but they also walk away knowing, ‘Somebody cared about me today,’” said volunteer Joseph Gaitens.

“How can people help? Pray for us. Serve as a volunteer. Support us financially or with in-kind donations. In that order!” he said.

Find out more about how you can help, at brownbagministry.org.