MONROE — Throughout history, a good meal is what has made friends of strangers, allies of enemies and created understanding between various cultures. 

Sharing food creates a bond and encourages an understanding in ways language and tools cannot. It bonds families and friends and forges stronger ties with neighbors. One local group of volunteers has taken that understanding and created a space where people can dine with no distractions, enjoy conversation and build a stronger community. 

Monroe’s Loaves and Fishes, a nonprofit group, owes its entire existence to hardworking volunteers looking to provide for others. The program has local church and everyday community members involved in the monthly meal. Volunteers provide a free meal to anyone in the community on the fourth Sunday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 1025 15th Avenue.  

Loaves and Fishes celebrated seven years of volunteer work during the April meal. Each month, there are about 20 to 40 volunteers who prepare, cook, serve, host and clean up after the event.

Board Director President Kris Wisnefske, who volunteers as well, said the program honored those who spend their free time dedicated to providing a meal for others. It is a time-consuming endeavor, Wisnefske added.

“Our volunteer staff take great pride in serving fresh, quality food for about 100 to 120 people every month,” Wisnefske said, adding that there are roughly 30 additional carryout meals.

The idea of Loaves and Fishes was organized by Rev. Brian Backstrand of St. Andrews’ Episcopal Church, the “little church with the big heart.” 

Backstrand said he is proud of the community endeavor and that there is great support within the Monroe community.

“We don’t have any trouble finding a sponsor for the meal, which generally costs about $400,” Rev. Backstrand said. “Or the sponsor can provide the food, too.”

Besides traditional meals, the cook staff have prepared Ethiopian, Indian and Guatemalan themed meals, corn on the cob and some Hispanic favorites in the past. Some of the groups who have volunteered include the Literacy Council of Green County, the Monroe Bible Church, Juda 4-H, the Methodist churches in Juda and Monroe, St. Vincent and others. 

“This mission to the community has grown in numbers and has been a wonderful opportunity to bring community members together in the breaking of bread and sharing fellowship,” Wisnefske said.

The first meeting was in September 2011. In its creation, Backstrand and board member Donna Phillips toured a similar program in Reedsburg, Wisnefske said. They applied for a grant through the Meacham Fund of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee. 

Their mission: To build community through food and hospitality. After receiving funding, the first meal was served April 22, 2012. As the program developed, members worked toward becoming a nonprofit. In 2014, the group applied and became a 501(c)(3), completed articles of incorporation and bylaws and formed a board of directors. 

“Loaves and Fishes is great not only being able to provide people with a hot meal, but we are also growing our community,” Phillips said.

The current board includes President Kris Wisnefske, Vice President Chris Wellington, Secretary Randy Booth, Treasurer Marilee Backstrand, Mary Richardson, Joe Leverton, Joanne Weeden, Ryan Boughton, Phillips and Debbie Myers.

“We’ve served thousands of meals,” said Booth, pastor of the Monroe United Methodist Church. “Many people count on Loaves and Fishes for their Thanksgiving and Christmas meals because of the food we serve and the gathering of people. People leave fulfilled and satisfied.