July 11, 2022 – In 1982, the Good Samaritan Inn opened their doors to serve their first meal to the needy. That meal served 11 people. Today, 40 years later, the Good Samaritan Inn serves an average of 160 people a day, 365 days a year.
The Good Samaritan Inn held a press conference today at their facility dining hall to look back on their history and to update community members and stakeholders on what the future holds.
Initially founded by members of First United Methodist, Grace United Methodist, First Presbyterian and Wesminster Presbyterian, the Good Samaritan Inn serves as a community soup kitchen, which in 2005, expanded it’s meal service from 5 to 7 days a week.
Jerry Pelz, a founding board member of GSI, said the group saw gaps in area food bank service and sought to fill those gaps with a new religious based operation that could provide a nutritious, daily hot meal with dignity.
Despite the importance of the mission, David Brown, current President of the board of Good Samaritan Inn said that challenges remain for the operation. Brown said the board passed a deficit budget this year and saw an all time high of 200 patrons a day in June. He added he expects more families will seek assistance due to rising inflation and food costs.
“We have only been able to do this work thanks to the community, volunteers, businesses and supporters,” Brown stated. “This community has a certified giving heart.”
Thanks to generous donors, including The Andreas Foundation, James Millikin Trust, HSHS St. Mary’s, Richland Community College, United Way, Community Foundation of Macon County, grants and private donations, the Good Samaritan Inn is enhancing their operation. They recently expanded their Mercy Gardens program, which provides fresh produce to their kitchen, needy community members and partner food pantries.
Brown said they are also looking at new profit centers to help support their mission, including selling donuts made from a newly acquired donut machine, as well as selling Mums in the fall.
“The thing that has been rewarding for me is to see the dedicated staff, volunteers and the giving community. It makes me confident that the Good Samaritan Inn will still be serving the community for years to come,” Brown added. “We will see you at our 50th anniversary.”
