Starkville’s Casserole Kitchen: A Beacon of Community and Compassion in Starkville

Starkville’s Casserole Kitchen: A Beacon of Community and Compassion in Starkville

In the heart of Starkville, the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection parish hall opens its doors each Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. and every Saturday at 11 a.m. to serve hot meals to the community in need. This weekly offering is not just an ordinary meal service, it’s Casserole Kitchen Starkville, a testament to the power of community and faith that has united 17 local churches through the Starkville Church Coalition for over 16 years.

The Emergence of the Casserole Kitchen

The Casserole Kitchen was first initiated close to two decades ago by Gary Cummings, who felt the urge to address the issue of hunger in Starkville. “He saw the need here, and so he was determined to start something,” explained Rex Buffington, co-coordinator and co-director of Casserole Kitchen.

A Collective Effort

The establishment of the Casserole Kitchen underscores the power of collective action. The enormity of the initiative made it clear that no single church could sustain such an effort on its own. Buffington shed light on the approach taken. “It was decided that there was no one church that could do it all. It would be a lot to provide three hot meals a week for any church—even our large churches. If we all came together and did it, however, we could do it on a rotating basis,” he explained.

Diversity in Dishes

The meals served at the Casserole Kitchen showcase the diversity and unity of the participating churches. From casseroles to barbeque, each church contributes a dish of their choice. “The churches bring whatever they want to bring,” said Buffington, “Some bring casseroles, but some bring fried chicken, hot dogs, barbeque and spaghetti. People bring whatever menu they want, and it’s always good food.” One of the participating churches, Griffin Chapel, even gathers its members to collectively prepare meals for the Kitchen.

Feeding the Community

Every week, dedicated volunteers at the Casserole Kitchen cater to around 45 people, providing them not only with a meal but also with the comfort of community and compassion. Additionally, leftovers are made available for individuals to take home, a crucial aspect that Buffington underscores.

A Testament of Unity and Compassion

The Casserole Kitchen, through its united efforts and heartfelt service, has successfully been feeding the community in need for over a decade. This initiative by the Starkville Church Coalition is more than just a meal service; it’s a beacon of humanity that continues to shed light on the power of community and faith in Starkville.