Susan Pulliam, with Community Life Church in Butler, shares some kindness along with a free community meal at Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church in Butler on Sept. 21, 2022. The nightly meal distribution is rotated church to church, with volunteer staffing. Butler Eagle File Photo

Saturday, March 29, was a big day for Justine Brown and the work she does in Butler County, but every day is a big day for the organizations that she works with to fight food insecurity in Butler.

At a luncheon on that date, Brown was honored by the Soroptimist International of Butler County for her work to provide free meals to Butler residents through the Community Meal Ministries.

Later that evening, an event she plays a role in curating drew together another crowd. The Community Meal Ministry Annual Gala and Art Show fundraiser featured art from seven area artists that would be sold or raffled throughout the evening to benefit the Butler churches that serve community meals.

Those churches include First English Lutheran Church from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday; All Saints Parish St. Paul Roman Catholic Church from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday; Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday; Katie’s Kitchen at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday; and First United Methodist Church from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday.

Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church and three others — New Beginnings Free Methodist Church, North Street Christian Church and St. Peter’s Anglican Church — cover the weekends, too.

Because of their efforts, those in Butler can find a free meal nearly everyday of the week. On a nightly basis, the Community Meal Ministries feed between 150 and 300 people at every church involved.

Brown is a significant part of those efforts. She actively advocates for those who need the support amid rising food insecurity without asking for anything in return.

Even when honored Saturday, her focus was on the work. She said she never anticipated the honor.

“We have several people who work, and they come after work, and they don’t make enough money for rent and other costs they have. They’re not taking money from your coffers, they’re just trying to survive,” Brown said.

Kudos to Brown for all that she does. Her work makes a big difference in Butler.

And as we recognize Brown for her success, let’s remember these efforts are run by volunteers and with donations. It’s big day everyday for the 150 people who benefit from those meals.

— TL