During the early 1980s, many people of all races, single, married, and with families, some with and some without transportation, would come to Wesley Trinity United Methodist Church needing money, food, or medicines. We saw many hungry and sometimes even sick children. Wesley Trinity, big in faith and trusting in the Lord, knew that because of God's unlimited resources, there would always be food in the pantry, thus enabling them to provide food and help them on their way.
An idea for feeding our neighbors came during these economically depressed times when many lost their jobs, homes, and livelihoods. At the time, Rev. Eugene Raphael, the Pastor of the Wesley Trinity Church, was sharing the plans for a Soup Kitchen with Rev. Robert Hedges of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Rev. Hedges and his congregation decided to partner in this Ministry, helping people experiencing poverty.
On January 8, 1984, Rev. Raphael, Mary Hankins, S. B. Bundage, and Sarah Holbert met around the table at Good Shepherd with Rev. Hedges, Helen Franks, Marion Steffey, and Tom Whitesides. Over a potluck meal, with LOVE, CARING, SHARING, OPENNESS, and HONESTY, the group made plans to open the Wesley Trinity Soup Kitchen together. They decided Wesley Trinity Church was the best location, and Rev. Hedges told his congregation, "God works in strange ways, and we are now in the soup business."
Coverage by the news media and several radio stations resulted in food donations, a freezer, and financial gifts flooding in from across the San Angelo Community. These two churches officially began this Ministry when it opened on February 4, 1984. There was no paid staff; volunteers from both congregations came together to prepare and serve the soup and lunches.
Within the first five years, other churches and organizations joined this partnership. These included St. Paul Presbyterian Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Luke United Methodist Church, Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, Goodfellow Air Force Base, and Levi Strauss. Since then, we have city-wide support and support from surrounding cities and communities.
Now called the Daily Bread Lunch Program, we provide nourishing meals Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Children, women, and men who would not otherwise have a sustaining meal on a daily basis are welcome to partake of this meal. The meals consist of a nourishing homemade soup or a main entree served with sides of vegetables, bread, dessert, and drinks.
Adequate nutrition is a significant health issue, particularly among children, the elderly, and the mentally ill. Daily Bread Lunch Program is helping to decrease hunger in San Angelo.
Daily Bread feeds 65,000+ meals annually. Program administration and operational costs indicate this is one of the most cost-effective programs in San Angelo. A Board of Directors makes policy, governs the Program, and meets bi-monthly. As of 2023, an Executive Director and Operations Coordinator are on staff to meet the growing needs of the Ministry.
The Daily Bread Lunch Program receives financial support, gifts, talent, individuals, time, and labor through selfless donations from churches, merchants, the military, non-profit organizations, and restaurants. This lunch program is one of the most successful community outreach programs in San Angelo. Our concern for the less fortunate and homeless is an excellent example of Christians putting God's Love into action.
The Program is officially under the legal authority of the Wesley Trinity United Methodist Church, a small congregation (but big in heart) in San Angelo. This Ministry's successes prove that God's Blessings extend to those who follow His Word of Charity and Goodwill.