The Table to celebrate 30 years on Sept. 30

Over the past 30 years, more than 2,000 meals have been served in the guild hall at the church with the red doors. 

Sept. 30, 1995 was the date the first The Table meal was served at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Rhinelander. The Table was developed as a way to provide a meal to those in need — whether it be for the need of food, or for the need of, or desire for socialization.

Initially, The Table served meals the last two days of the month. About 15 years ago it went to just the last day of the month because of the increase of other food programs in the community, such as the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry and Ruby’s Pantry. The first meal served seven people, with that number increasing to around 100 people per night in the 1990s. 

Members of area churches, community groups host The Table each month. St. Augustine’s members provide support in the serving, greeting folks and making deliveries. 

Currently, The Table serves about 60 meals a month between on-site and delivered meals. 

On Sept. 30, the 30th anniversary will be celebrated with a small ceremony recognizing the folks who were involved in the establishment of The Table, and of course, the diners. 

The Table meal is held the last day of each month at 5:30 p.m. The only exception is in December when the meal is served on Sept. 30.