Free Community Meals Available on Fridays in Hermiston

Rotating group of churches and nonprofits host weekly lunches to address food insecurity

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Free community meals are available every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Hermiston, Oregon. The meals are hosted by different churches and nonprofits on a rotating basis, restarting in January after being paused due to COVID-19. The meals are open to anyone in need of a warm meal or community connection.

Why it matters

The free community meals aim to address food insecurity in the Hermiston area by providing a reliable source of nourishment and an opportunity for fellowship. The meals were previously available on certain days of the week, but the new rotating model allows more organizations to get involved and sustain the program.

The details

The community meals take place at the Parish Hall of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church. Different groups, including Good Shepherd Health Care System, Oasis Vineyard Church, Faith Presbyterian, and others, take turns hosting the meals each Friday. Volunteers help prepare, cook, and serve the food, which is purchased by the hosting organization that week. Attendance has grown from 30 people the first week to 60 people in the most recent week.

  • The community meals restarted in January 2026.
  • The meals take place every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The players

Good Shepherd Health Care System

A healthcare provider that operates in Umatilla and Morrow Counties. Its ConneXions department helps connect residents to various resources and services.

Oasis Vineyard Church

A church in Hermiston that is part of the rotating schedule to host the weekly community meals.

Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church

A Catholic church in Hermiston that hosts the community meals in its Parish Hall.

Faith-Based Advisory Committee

A group of pastors, nonprofit leaders, and community servants who meet quarterly to discuss ways to address community needs, including food insecurity.

Jessica De La Cruz

A Community Health Worker with Good Shepherd Health Care System who is involved in the community meal program.

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What they’re saying

“These free community meals are a simple but powerful way for us to step up and be a part of the solution. A warm meal might seem simple, but it can make a difference and it's something we can all be a part of.”

— Jessica De La Cruz, Community Health Worker, Good Shepherd Health Care System (northeastoregonnow.com)

“We want everyone to feel welcome because this is for the entire community. We acknowledge everyone who comes in, engaging in small talk and getting to know them a bit. Most of the time they just need a warm meal and someone to talk to.”

— Jessica De La Cruz, Community Health Worker, Good Shepherd Health Care System (northeastoregonnow.com)

“We always appreciate knowing what's available and what's out there. This is something hot to eat, it's a relief.”

— Janet and Jesse Pena (northeastoregonnow.com)

What’s next

The next quarterly gathering of the Faith-Based Advisory Committee is scheduled for February 24, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Oasis Vineyard Church.

The takeaway

The free community meals in Hermiston demonstrate how a collaborative effort between churches, nonprofits, and community organizations can help address food insecurity and provide a sense of fellowship for those in need. The rotating model allows more groups to get involved and sustain the program long-term.