CHASSELL – David Kalliainen has been to almost all of the Let’s Eat free community meals at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell since they began in March.

“The only time I haven’t been here, I’ve been out of town,” he said. Kalliainen, who has been a member of the church for more than 30 years, said he keeps coming to the meals because of the community feel they provide.

“People here are friendly,” he said. “It feels like home to me.”

Bill Binroth, co-founder of the Let’s Eat meals, said that sentiment expressed by Kalliainen is exactly what he and the other founders of the event were hoping for.

Binroth said he, church member Rick Buis and Holy Trinity Pastor Joe Iverson agreed the meals would be welcome in the community.

“We thought it just needed to be done,” he said. “We thought it would bring people together in the community.”

Iverson said when Binroth mentioned the idea of the meals to him, he thought it would be a good way to join with other local churches and groups to do something good for the community.

Besides Holy Trinity, Binroth said other churches and organizations involved with the Let’s Eat program are St. Anne’s Catholic Church and the Chassell Lion’s Club. Event sponsors are By Nature and DP Construction. Future sponsors will be Sons of Norway, Chassell Women’s Club and Canterbury House at Michigan Technological University.

Binroth said sponsors are secured two to three months ahead of a particular meal.

“They help pay for the groceries,” he said.

Iverson said the meals, which are from 4-6 p.m. the third Sunday of every month, average about 55 people, which is close to what the founders were hoping for.

“We had set a goal of 60,” he said.

Last week, Iverson said, the 82 people who showed up for the meal were the most to attend so far.

Iverson said the meal is free, but it’s more about companionship than income.

“Loneliness doesn’t know the number in your bank account,” he said paraphrasing one of the people involved with establishing the event.

Binroth said he wants people to know the meals are safe. The organizers have a good relationship with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department to assure food is cooked at the proper temperature, and all silverware and dishes are properly cleaned.

Heather Cote of Chassell, who was attending the meal with her family, said she’s been to every Let’s Eat meal since it started in March.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I don’t like to cook.”