Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and others around Valley support Friends Feed Friends, a group who has been feeding the homeless in Tempe since 2009.

The group follows the scripture passage Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

More than 24,000 meals have been served; not one Friday has been missed in nine years. When Christmas and New Years have fallen on a Friday, Friends Feed Friends has been there with a hot meal.

The corporation has a 501(c) (3) designation.

Before serving the homeless in Moeur Park in Tempe, the team forms a circle including friends from the park and prays. Bibles and devotionals are always available and prayer requests taken.

Serving begins at 6 p.m., Fridays, and completed by 6:45 p.m. In addition to a hot meal, blankets, clothing and toiletries are available.

When Friends Feeding Friends began in 2009, they served 25 to 35 people weekly. The numbers have grown to 70 to 100 or more every Friday evening.

In the summer months, the team is smaller; volunteers are needed. Weekly menus can be viewed at friendsfeedfriends.org.