As the Island moves into deep winter and employment opportunities become scarce, numerous organizations step up each season to help with food insecurity and isolation issues.

For years, Island churches have offered community suppers in their parish halls, each one taking a different day to make sure that on any given evening someone could find a meal and some company. But like everything during the pandemic, even giving back has become more complicated. Sit down meals in the company of others have given way to take-out suppers or delivery options when possible. Food distributions are also in full swing, providing free groceries for those in need.

On Wednesdays, the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury at 1051 State Road offers free take-out meals beginning at 4:30 p.m. Email or call by Monday of that week to reserve a meal at wtcomsuppers@gmail.com, 508-693-2842.

On Thursdays, St. Augustine’s Church at 56 Franklin street, Vineyard Haven offers free take-out meals from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Call 508-684-6270 by 6 p.m. on Monday of that week to reserve a meal.

On Fridays, Grace Episcopal Church at 36 Woodlawn avenue in Vineyard Haven offers free take-out meals from 5 to 6 p.m. Call 508-693-0332 by Thursday evening to reserve a meal.

Two Saturdays a month, the United Methodist Church in Oak Bluffs is offering pop-up style, take-out meals prepared by Island chefs: Jan, 8 and 22; Feb. 5 and 19; March 5 and 19. Call 508-693-4424 by Friday at 6 p.m. of that week to reserve a meal.

Every day of the week at various locations, Harbor Homes winter shelter offers overnight breakfast, lunch and dinner through March 31. Call 774-563-3687 for locations and information.

Three days a week, the food pantry at the Portuguese American Club in Oak Bluffs at 137 Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs, is open for free food pick-ups: Monday, 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday 1 to 6 p.m,, Saturday 10 to 1 p.m.

And the Good Shepherd food distribution takes place at 55 School street in Oak Bluffs on the first and third Saturdays of each month beginning at 10 a.m. The parish house is also open on Tuesdays for walk-ins from 8 a.m. to noon. Home food deliveries can be requested too. For more information, visit goodshepherdmv.com or call 508-696-1948.