Lunch Partners, a Community Ministry

Providing food and clothing to those in need in the heart of Independence, Missouri, since 1991.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these
my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Matthew 25:40

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Get Involved

Volunteer, donate, become a business partner, and — of course — pray!

Volunteer

Lunch Partners Ministries is dependent on its volunteers. We utilize both weekly and substitute volunteers. If you are able to serve in any capacity, we invite you to learn more about the opportunities below. Without our volunteers we couldn't operate. Below is a list of positions one could volunteer to fill, as well as a sample schedule for a volunteer day in each ministry.

Lunch Partners

COOK

Creates meals based on a recipe. Duties include:

  • Reviewing, measuring and combining ingredients
  • Ensuring food is cooked to the proper temperature. 

Requirements:

  • At least 21 years old
  • Active county Food Handler's license

FOOD PREP

Helps prepare and serve a nutritious and filling meal. Duties include:

  • Washing, cutting, and peeling fresh vegetables
  • Pre-measuring items for cook to use
  • Ensuring all ingredients needed are ready for the day's meal

Requirements:

  • At least 12 years old
  • Active county Food Handler's license

SERVING ROOM ATTENDANT

Handles needs that arise in the service area. Duties include:

  • Greeting patrons
  • Answering questions
  • Praying with patrons
  • Being a listening ear and a witness of the love of Jesus. 

FOOD PICKUP

Transports donations from business partner locations to Lunch Partners. Days and times vary. Duties include:

  • Visiting business partners to pick up donations
  • Transporting donations to Lunch Partners
  • Unloading and organizing donations in food storage areas

Requirements:

  • At least 16 years old
  • Valid driver license
  • Personal vehicle to drive
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Sample Lunch Partners Volunteer Day

6:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Volunteers arrive; food prep & organization begins
10:30 AM - Staff lunch
11:30 AM - Food service begins
1:00 PM - Service ends & cleanup begins
1:30 PM - Volunteers depart

Food Pantry & Clothes Closet

Food Pantry

DAY-OF VOLUNTEER

  • Provide assistance to the Food Pantry Director
  • Organize food items
  • Prepare bags to be passed out

Requirements:

  • At least 14 years old

Clothes Closet

DAY-OF VOLUNTEER

  • Interviews individuals seeking clothing about personal and household clothing needs
  • Gathers a selection of clothing for the individual to choose from

Requirements:

  • At least 14 years old

Clothes Closet

OFF-DAY VOLUNTEER

  • Wash, sort, fold & put away donations so they are ready to access on Fridays

Requirements:

  • At least 14 years old

Sample Food Pantry Volunteer Day

10:00 AM - Volunteers arrive
10:10 AM - Gather & pack food bags
11:30 AM - Bag distribution begins
12:30 PM - Distribution ends & cleanup begins
1:00 PM - Volunteers depart

Sample Clothes Closet Volunteer Day

10:00 AM - Volunteers arrive
10:10 AM - Gather & organize clothing
11:30 AM - Distribution begins
12:30 PM - Distribution ends & cleanup begins
1:00 PM - Volunteers depart

Current Needs

Lunch Partners Ministries is blessed by many generous donors; however, the needs of our community are great. Below is a list of current material needs for each ministry. If you are able to meet any of these needs, please contact us to arrange delivery of your gift. (** indicates an urgent need.)

Lunch Partners

Food Pantry

  • ** Jelly in plastic containers
    (no glass, please -- best deal is $1.25/jar at Dollar Tree; can be ordered by the case online)
  • Canned spaghetti sauce (not canned tomatoes)
  • Individual fruit or applesauce cups
  • Coffee singles
  • Cans of beef, pork, or chicken
  • Canned chili
  • Canned vegetables other than corn, green beans, or peas
  • Beanee Weanees
  • Potted meat
  • Tuna Helper packets
  • Chicken Helper packets
  • Small, individually-wrapped salty snacks -- cheese crackers, peanut butter crackers, etc.

Clothes Closet

Unless indicated, clothing items do not need to be new.

  • Men's jeans, waist sizes 30, 31, 32 and 34 (length doesn't matter)
  • Men's plain t-shirts
  • Men's hooded sweatshirts
  • NEW men's underwear, medium & large sizes
  • Single-use rain ponchos
  • Laundry soap - pod form only
  • Shelving units to store donated clothing

Prayer Requests

Lunch Partners Ministries believes in the power of prayer to change lives and circumstances. Please remember the Lunch Partners ministries in your prayers, as well as the specific needs listed below, as we work to fulfill Christ's commission to us.

  • Our volunteers
  • Our patrons
  • Our donors
  • Financial needs

Our Location

The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter Day Saints
700 W. Lexington Ave.
Independence, MO 64050

Lunch Partners Office: (816) 254-6040

Lunch Partners - Basement
Food Pantry - 1st Floor
Clothes Closet - 2nd Floor

Interested in Partnering with Us?

Download Our Information Kit

or

Contact Us