Food at First
Ames, Iowa
Contact & Location for Food at First
About Food at First
Food at First is a nonprofit community organization in Ames, Iowa dedicated to ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. Founded in 2003 as a Lenten outreach program of First United Methodist Church, it has grown into a year-round ministry providing free daily meals and fresh groceries through its Free Market program. Operating seven days a week, the organization serves hot meals Monday through Sunday at various times and offers access to fresh produce and food items multiple days throughout the week. Food at First welcomes everyone without questions asked, treating each visitor with dignity and respect while building community connections among neighbors and volunteers. The organization also addresses food waste by partnering with local businesses and farms to redirect surplus food that would otherwise go to landfills, embodying a commitment to both compassion and sustainability.
First-Time Visitor Info for Food at First
Dress Code: Not specified — please contact the church directly. Service Format: Free hot meals are served daily at various times, with additional access to fresh groceries through the Free Market program; all services are open to anyone experiencing hunger or food insecurity without qualification. Visitor Tips: No questions asked upon arrival, and visitors are encouraged to stay and socialize over meals while building connections with neighbors, volunteers, and other community members in a welcoming, dignified environment.
Note: Church information may be outdated. Please verify details with the church directly before visiting.
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