It’s not always easy for folks to get a hot, home-cooked meal, especially on a budget. But one group in Keokuk has been making it happen, offering free meals for all on a regular basis.
The Keokuk Community Cafe (KCC), which meets every first Tuesday of the month, just so happens to be this organization. Built in the spirit of serving neighbors in need, the Keokuk Community Cafe has slowly built momentum and recently reached their first year milestone on Tuesday, Oct. 6. And it was definitely one to remember, with a record 113 in attendance this month, say organizers.
One such organizer, Jared Jinkens, recalled those days just one short year ago in 2025, when the idea of having a free community meal, open to all, began to surface. “It came just from a desire to help those in need and seeing that there was a need for this,” Jinkens said.
He knew there were other groups offering similar meals, such as Gods Way, River City Bikers, and the Nazarene Church, but something that stood out to him was how these were all providing daytime meals, not evening meals. That meant when suppertime rolled around, there would likely be some hungry people from time to time, especially those suffering– the lonely, the sick, those without permanent homes, perhaps without family or without the means to acquire a simple meal as well— who may feel overlooked or forgotten.
To address this need, Jinkens envisioned a meal for the evening timeslot. But he did not want to limit it to just one subset of the community. Not everyone in need feels comfortable speaking up, and of course no one wants to feel exposed or like a charity case either. In addition, looks can be deceiving, and sometimes those most in need are hidden in plain view. Seeing the meal as an opportunity for mingling and fellowship for everyone, regardless status or place in life, he planned to open the free, monthly meals to all. That’s why it is a “community” cafe— it’s truly meant for everyone.
But to hold a meal this size would take a lot of support, and Jinkens needed ample space to hold all the people. Therefore he reached out others, rallying support for the cause. At the time of its humble beginnings, he had no idea how eagerly members of the community would step up to lend a hand and make it happen, but the response was amazing.
Jinkens named several people and groups who in particular had been his biggest helpers. Among them, “Mallory Buckert (REM Iowa), Michael Chatelain (The Lighthouse). They have been my biggest helpers,” Jinkens stated. “Cathie Courtois (First Christian Church Keokuk) who helps out a lot on the back end of things.” Robert “Bob the Builder” Korschgen and (Lake Cooper Foundation) was also mentioned.
Lake Cooper Foundation was instrumental in making the dinners happen. According to Doug Matlick, LCF board member, former Keokuk city councilperson and owner of The Hawkeye Restaurant, LCF furthered their reach into community improvement after their successful initial project of bringing the rocket slide back to Keokuk. They wanted to do more and involvement in KCC was one way to do so, Matlick explained. From day one, LCF has been happy to provide venue space at 810 Main St. for KCC.
Then of course, there’s the food. It was Fat Jimmy’s Smokehouse and Catering of Montrose who provided the first meal. Those willing to help cater have been many and varied; this month, First Wok offered orange chicken, chicken lo mein, chicken and broccoli, house fried rice, egg rolls and crab rangoon with Renita Hill providing dessert and REM Iowa covering beverages. October’s dinner had about double the normal turnout, a new record.
And as luck would have it, Jinkens said they’ve already got dinner providers booked well into 2027— around November, 2027 is when they will next have an opening. Nevertheless, Jinkens said they’re always looking for help, whether it be providing meals or anything else. He encourages anyone interested to contact him..
Michael Chatelain helped transform the meal into something extra. As president of The Lighthouse, he saw the mealtimes as the perfect venue to offer backpacks filled with supplies to meal guests, “no questions asked” he said.
Items that are often included are hygiene items, socks, stocking caps, gloves–they try to offer brand new socks and hats whenever possible. Seasonal items like jackets have also been offered, as well as donated, handmade mats. He also tucks a devotional book into each pack, something Chatelain says had helped him on his journey, which took him from a dismal situation in Des Moines to the Talbot Sober Living Residence in Keokuk where he got back on his feet. Having faced difficult situations, he understands the stigma some face, and he offers a wealth of knowledge alongside the popular backpacks as a resource.
He commented that many times, being in a negative environment produces temptations that can lead people astray from a better lifestyle, even if they start changing their ways. They may feel weak, risk influence by toxic people, return to old habits and be sucked back into a vortex of doom. Starting out fresh with support can open up a world of opportunities and success—that’s part of how Talbot house helped him restart life anew, Chatelain explained. He also credits his faith as a support, sharing how it factored into his prolonged success. And while he said is not trying to proselytize, he noted that faith did help him personally and didn’t want to exclude it as it’s something that may help others.
Chatelain also wanted to express his thanks for the United Way, and Mike Greenlaugh, who’ve helped out immensely with the backpacks. He also expressed gratitude to The Hawkeye Restaurant for helping with fundraisers which help keep the programs going.
Andrea Hoenig is another supporter of the KCC, who like Chatelain has gone through a lot of hard times. “I am excited to have the opportunity to be a resource at the Community Cafe representing Lydia’s House,” she stated. “Lydia’s House… provides a safe, supportive, substance-free environment where women can focus on their recovery, develop life skills, build a support system and work towards independence.
“Having the right support and resources can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life and recovery journey. I know how important it is to have a safe place to turn and people who genuinely care.
“My hope is to use this opportunity at the Community Cafe to connect with individuals who may need help, share information about Lydia’s House and other community resources, and let people know they are not alone. Sometimes, simply knowing where to turn or having someone willing to listen can be the first step toward a positive change.”
There’s no “me” in community, a reminder that community is about more than just ourselves. But there is “unity”, reminding us of that character which communities aspire to have. Showing respect, gratitude, compassion and value for every single person, regardless of their walk of life—that’s what these dinners help do in the Keokuk. And as a unique touch, the gatherings also help build unity—one meal at a time.
Upcoming
The next meal is Tuesday November 3, 6-7 p.m. at 810 Main St. (LCF). It’s open to all, so don’t be shy—go solo or bring the kids, invite a friend, and feel free to take a meal to someone in need (just ask, someone will be willing to help make a to-go box).
November’s meal is being sponsored by REM Iowa. Bottled water, tea and lemonade will accompany the meal of ham, turkey, green beans, corn, dinner roll, mashed potatoes and gravy. Scooters will be offering hot chocolate and coffee. And for dessert, Sips and Stacks will provide pancakes (sponsored by Tate’s Mobile Light Auto Repair).
Resources available will include Talbot Sober Living Residence, The Lighthouse, Iowa Primary Care Association and Lydia’s House.
Dining and Cooking