Every Thursday, a group of volunteers at the First United Methodist Church wake up early to prepare a hot lunch for the city’s residents who are in need of a meal and some good company.

The program called “Hunger Watch” serves about 32 people a week at 1500 Ford St. It was started a year ago by previous church members; Pete and Marilyn Smith who recently moved from Golden. The idea was to create a place where senior citizens could go and mingle with other people; an increasing request received at the Christian Action Guild, a local charitable organization.

On Thanksgiving, Hunger Watch served 40 people who showed up in need of meal or company.

It takes around 20 to 25 volunteers to run the program that runs on food donations from the Food Bank of the Rockies, individual donations and money doled out from the pockets of volunteers. Detailed planning and full homemade meals make for a meal far from typical cafeteria food with menu’s offering pork stuffed shells and shepherd’s pie. Vegetable and fruit side dishes come with every meal such as green salads and baked potatoes with desserts that are served to finish the meal.

“We have menus that people say ‘wow you’re feeding them better than I get fed during the day,’” a volunteer named Deanne said.

What’s more valuable about Hunger Watch is the camaraderie that has come from the program.

A lot of the people used to come in and eat and leave but not anymore, said Sandi, coordinator for Hunger Watch. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and now, people stay to talk for the full hour and a half. “They have a cup of coffee and sit and visit,” she said. “It’s a real change, they think of each other as friends.”

Hunger Watch doesn’t require any perquisites or specific qualifications in order to receive a great meal; it is open to anyone who walks through the door. Colorado School of Mines students are known to have stopped by for a meal or to volunteer.

Other noteworthy aspects of the program include giveaways for essential toiletries that guests can take, and sleeping bags and coats that are donated from a local Morman church.

Recycling is an important part of the program as well; all food scrapes left over from food preparation go to an anonymous local woman who uses them to feed her goats and chickens, said Jane, volunteer.

“We’re not here to force religion,” Sandi said. “We’re here to feed the hungry and the lonely.”

To learn how to donate or volunteer for Hunger Watch contact Sandi at 303-642-1280.