Joseph Community Dinners serve record breaking 385 meals

By Garrett Christensen on Monday, March 30th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

JOSEPH – (Release from Joseph Mainstreet) The Monday Night Community Dinners in Joseph have achieved a new record, having served over 385 meals on Monday, March 23^rd. Started in 2024 with the twin goals of addressing food insecurity and social loneliness, the Joseph United Methodist Church congregation, under the leadership of Pastor Beth Estock, set out to host free weekly meals in February, March, and April to anyone who would appreciate a home-cooked meal and a chance to visit with friends and neighbors, and even meet new people from around Wallowa County.

Partnering with various social, medical, mental health agencies as well as non-profit organizations such as Building Healthy Families, Wallowa Resources, Wallowa Land Trust, Soroptimist Club of Wallowa County and the Rotary Club of Wallowa County, the dinners have truly become a celebration of community and collaboration.

Local chefs contribute their time and talent, taking one Monday to prepare meals for the ever-increasing numbers of people who turn out. In 2024 about 125 people came to the first meal. Word spread and the second year saw numbers in the 250 range. This year has added 100 to that number, with Monday’s astounding 385 breaking previous records.
The meals are sponsored by various agencies and organizations who provide not only assistance with funding but also send volunteers to help serve the meals. Meals take place Monday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at The Place, 303 S. Lake Street in Joseph. For more information, go to https://josephumc.org.