Victory Villa Baptist Church held its first free community meal last week at its Middle River location.

Several local families came out Feb. 15 to the church, located at 75 Chandelle Road,  where they were able to enjoy a meal, some conversation and take home some pantry items plus donated clothing.

The congregation hopes the monthly event will continue to grow, as it recognizes the growing number of "working poor in the community. In many cases, those coming to the dinner have fallen on hard times due to job loss or health issues and have never needed assistance before.

Victory Villa's dinner is similar to Essex United Methodist Church's  "Table of Grace" which regularly has more than 100 people turn out for dinner, groceries and other donated items each Wednesday.

To avoid having multiple churches host similar events on the same day, Victory Villa has set its next dinner for Thursday, March 15.

Note: Joyce Anne Bacon is a member of the Victory Villa Baptist Church congregation.