Chelsea Harms, owner of Cheers & Graze with Charm, is trading her signature grazing boards for something bigger this afternoon—feeding Muscatine’s kids.
From 3 to 6 PM today (November 3), Harms and a team of volunteers will distribute 800+ free sack meals at Zion Lutheran Church (513 Sycamore St). The event, organized in less than a week, has already raised $4,200 and mobilized dozens of volunteers.
How It Happened
Four days ago, Harms floated an idea: make free lunches for students and families who need them. Within 96 hours, the community responded with $3,070 in cash and Venmo donations, plus food contributions from local farms and businesses.
By Sunday night, Harms and her husband were making final grocery runs. By this morning, volunteers arrived at Zion Lutheran’s kitchen at 11 AM to start assembling meals.
“We’re hoping to make up to 800+ sack meals for pickup and delivery, and we won’t turn anyone away,” Harms posted. “Everyone is welcome at our table.”
Corporate & Community Partners Step Up
- Members Community Credit Union / The Lending Hub donated $1,500
- Mairet Farms donated the last of their seasonal apples
- Hy-Vee provided plastic bags for distribution
- Fareway donated sacks
Dozens of individuals contributed ramen, applesauce, chips, fruit, and cash. Volunteers—including Harms’ own son—helped shop, prep, and organize throughout the weekend.
Still Time to Help
Volunteers are welcome anytime between now and 6 PM. Tasks include:
- Assembling and bagging meals
- Handing out sacks during distribution (3–6 PM)
- Organizing supplies and cleanup
Families can pick up meals at Zion Lutheran from 3 to 6 PM—no questions asked, no restrictions.
Get more information about the event, including directions here.
