MINNEAPOLIMEDIA COMMUNITY NEWS | Zimmerman Church to Host Free “First Thursday” Community Meal on May 7

ZIMMERMAN, MN (May 7, 2026) Faith Community Lutheran Church LCMS will host its monthly “First Thursday” community meal on Thursday, May 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., continuing a recurring outreach program aimed at providing free meals and strengthening community connection in the Zimmerman area.

The event will take place at the church, located at 12266 255th Avenue NW in Zimmerman, and is open to all residents without residency requirements, registration, or cost.

According to information released by the church, the May meal will include grilled hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, chips, and cupcakes. Church organizers say the gathering is intended to create a welcoming community space while helping address food insecurity and social isolation among residents in Sherburne County and surrounding communities.

Promotional materials for the event encourage residents to “bring a friend or come and make a friend,” reflecting the church’s effort to position the monthly meal as both a food-access program and a community gathering opportunity.

Faith Community Lutheran Church is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, one of the largest Lutheran denominations in the country. Churches across Minnesota and the broader Upper Midwest have increasingly expanded community meal programs in recent years as congregations respond to rising household food costs and growing demand for accessible local support services.

In addition to the monthly evening meal, the church also operates Faith Pantry, a weekly food shelf program serving Zimmerman and neighboring communities.

According to church information, Faith Pantry operates every Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. using a client-choice distribution model that allows individuals and families to select grocery items based on household needs rather than receiving prepackaged food boxes.

The pantry operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require residency verification, income screening, or application paperwork. Coffee service is typically available beginning at 8:30 a.m. before pantry distribution begins.

Church officials say volunteers and donations continue to support both the monthly meal and pantry operations. Residents interested in volunteering or contributing to the food shelf can contact the church office directly or access additional information through the church’s official website.

The May 7 community meal is scheduled to run for one hour and is open to all members of the public.

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