In the winter months, the Island’s churches have traditionally held free community suppers during the week to help address food insecurity and the isolation of the off-season. In-person dining at the churches was discontinued during the pandemic in favor of pick-up meals, and demand soared around the Island.

This year, in addition to pick-up meals at several churches, St. Andrew’s Church in Edgartown has returned to in-person meals on Monday evenings at 5:30 p.m.

“Great food and helpers welcome,” said Father Chip Seadale of St. Andrew’s Church.

The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury sponsors pick-up meals on Wednesday evenings from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. through April. The church also offers home delivery. Sign up to receive meals is available on the church’s website at wtcongregationalchurch.org. For more information or to volunteer, call Marjorie Peirce at 508-221-0314.

Good Shepherd Parish offers take-out community suppers on Thursdays through March 23. Meals are prepared with ingredients from the Boston Food Bank. Call 508-684-6270 by 6 p.m. on Monday and specify the number of meals needed. Pick up takes place on Thursdays between 5 and 5:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Church, 56 Franklin street in Vineyard Haven.

Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven offers take-out community meals on Friday nights. Meals can be requested by calling 508-693-0332 by 4 p.m. on Thursday, with pick up on Friday between 5 and 5:30 p.m. at the church, located at 36 Woodlawn avenue.

Because of rising Covid numbers, the Chilmark Community Church has temporarily paused its Tuesday night wintertime hot community meals and games night. The program will resume when conditions are safe to do so.

The churches also continue to make meals for the Harbor Homes winter shelter, and volunteers are always welcome.