A concerning article in Sunday’s edition of the Eagle detailed the significant increase in patrons of local free meals for the disadvantaged, as well as the frustrating reasons why some of the diners must partake of the meals.

It would appear from the tales told by those waiting in line for a recent meal at Katie’s Kitchen in Butler that the safety-net programs funded through the taxes of working people are difficult to navigate, and result in hardship for those who need services.

One man said his mother had an aneurysm two years ago and is still waiting to be approved for disability payments.

He said setting her up for home health care required 23 separate documents.

He and others in line lamented the elimination of the additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payment they received during the coronavirus pandemic, as prices for food have increased dramatically.

The dedicated and caring volunteers at Katie’s Kitchen, which operates out of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Butler, are finding it difficult to feed an additional 100 people each week.

While the average Butler County resident cannot solve the governmental challenges faced by those applying for services, that doesn’t mean they are unable to help.

Katie’s Kitchen and the many other Butler churches that offer free meals must find a way to purchase food and equipment.

Volunteers chop, dice, marinate, bake, roast, fry and dish up the free meals with a smile and encouraging word at those churches.

Both the donations and the volunteers are finding themselves stretched to the limit.

Butler County prides itself on its giving nature, so maybe it’s time everyone steps up and does the right thing by giving what they can to one of the free meal programs or serving as a volunteer.

Those not known for their cooking skills can help set up and tear down, or perform a host of other tasks necessary at the churches during the meals.

Even those without a large pile of dollars left over after the bills are paid could pitch in a few bucks, which the thrifty meal planners at the churches could stretch a long way.

If state and federal programs are leaving the needy high and dry, everyone who is able must do what they can to help their less fortunate neighbors.

It’s what we do in Butler County. It’s who we are.

The churches that serve a weekly free meal from 5 to 6 p.m. are:

Monday, First English Lutheran Church, 241 N. Main St.

Tuesday, St. Paul Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St.

Wednesday, Saint Andrews U.P. Church, 201 E. Jefferson St.

Thursday, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 201 W. Jefferson St.

Friday, First United Methodist Church, 215 N. McKean St.

First, fourth and fifth Saturdays, New Beginnings Free Methodist Church, 416 Center Ave.

Second and third Saturdays, North Street Christian Church, 220 W. North St.

A meal is held on the last Sunday of each month at St. Peter's Anglican Church, 218 E. Jefferson St.

The Salvation Army provides a free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at its facility on West Cunningham Street.

Bagged lunches are available from noon to 1 p.m. first and fifth Sundays at St. Andrews U.P., 201 E. Jefferson St.

— PJG