Churches and organizations around the Island are continuing their tradition of providing a venue for food and conversation during the off-season.

Each day of the week, a different church offers a community supper for the public. The meals are free of charge and all are welcome. Each church offers different options for dine in, take-out or delivery.

For many churches, the tradition has been going on for decades. Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven has been serving a form of community supper for over 30 years.

“A lot of people don’t have someone to share a meal with. It’s why it’s so important, you can come and share a meal with somebody,” said parish administrator Heather Raveling.

The menu rotates depending on the availability of resources that week. Various churches also have vegan, gluten-free and alpha-gal friendly meals.

“We do have people who will make donations or will sponsor a meal and they can choose the menu or work with the chefs,” said United Methodist Church office administrator Cindy Behringer.

As prices continue rising, offering meal options at no cost is imperative, according to Chilmark Community Church reverend Janet Stoddard.

“We kept [the suppers] going because of food insecurity,” she said. “We don’t always know who needs to eat.”

The Agricultural Society is also hosting three community potlucks in the winter. The first one is Jan. 13 starting at 5:30 p.m. People are invited to bring their own dish to share.

According to program and outreach manager Lucy Grinnan, it’s important to offer a space to gather in the off-season.

“I like the potluck because I do think it brings people together who might not know each other otherwise,” Grinnan said.

Heather Slayton, secretary at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, commended the community for contributing to the suppers.

“It’s a beautiful thing, really, to be part of it and also the way the Island works in a circle with all of us feeding each other,” she said. “The Stop & Shop is always super generous and we can’t say enough about IGI. If any of us fall short in any category, they always step up to the plate [with] fresh produce.”

She emphasized that everyone is welcome, whether to volunteer or to partake.

“If anybody wants to volunteer, Everybody is welcome no matter what and no matter when,” Ms. Slayton said.

The community and connections, even with the pick-up and delivery service, is essential, according to First Congregational Church of West Tisbury organizer Ilona Metell.

“Community suppers make people feel like community, and that’s really important,” she said. “At the church, when people are coming to pick up the meals, the contact and greeting is really important for people.”

Monday

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 34 North Summer Street, Edgartown, begins at 5:30 p.m. Dine-in. 508-627-5330.

Tuesday

Chilmark Community Church, 9 Menemsha Crossroads, Chilmark, begins at 6 p.m. Dine-in. 508-645-3100.

Wednesday

First Congregational Church of West Tisbury, 1051 State Road, West Tisbury. Pickup available from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration required. Looking for guest chefs. Visitwtcongregationalchurch.org. 508-693-2842

Thursday

St. Augustine’s Hall, 56 Franklin Street, Vineyard Haven, begins at 5 p.m. Dine-in and take out; handicap-accessible. Call ahead for reservations. 508-684-6270

Friday

Grace Episcopal Church, corner of Woodlawn and Williams Streets, Vineyard Haven. Pickup available from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call ahead for reservations. Dine-in begins at 5:30 p.m. 508-693-0332.

Saturday

United Methodist Church, 40 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs, begins at 5:30 p.m. Dine-in. 508-693-4424.