Our Story
The Iowa City Free Lunch Program (FLP) began in January 1983, initiated by two therapists from the Community Mental Health Center. They recognized the need for a free meal for community members and presented this idea to a Lenten study group at St. Mary’s Parish. The response was overwhelmingly positive: "Let’s do it!" By 1989, FLP became a designated United Way agency, expanding to a six-day-a-week meal program supported by over 35 different religious, student, neighborhood, and social groups. Today, more than 900 volunteers contribute their time to prepare and serve nutritious meals, utilizing food from local restaurants, grocery stores, and the Table to Table Food Rescue Organization.