The City of Madison is the home of Luke House Inc., a faith-based organization that offers free meals despite income. Luke House helps tackle the fight to end poverty.  

The organization is located at 310 S. Ingersoll St., which, according to its website, has “been feeding Madison’s hungry since 1986.” Guests line up for lunch and dinner and mutually agree the portions are generous and delicious. 

“Our mission is simple: we feed the hungry, no questions asked,” the Luke House website explains. “Our guests show up, and we feed them. No paperwork, no screening. Just show up and eat.” 

At 5:45 p.m. each night, Luke House opens its doors, and its guests receive a free meal from volunteers who greet them. The meal served for the day was a sloppy joe, a colorful salad with French dressing, two pieces of white bread shrouded in a neat folder wrapper with a butter packet, corn and two chocolate chip cookies. All are welcome to break bread despite their socioeconomic situation.  

• The nonprofit keeps the facility staffed through a “Call to Churches” website portal. The portal provides information to parishes in Dane County and how they can volunteer.  
• The dining facility is conveniently located between E. Washington and Williamson St.  
• Luke House has been featured in the Wisconsin State Journal and by local news stations, noting the organization was witnessed serving hot meals on Christmas Eve.  

The meals are served through Dane County church missions. The volunteers in the kitchen laugh and greet guests, who are seen wearing Wu-Tang Clan t-shirts. While standing on the sidewalk in line before opening, the clamor of guests discussed overcrowding at the shelter, conversations about what’s on the menu and how Luke House has kept hope alive, knowing there are at least two guaranteed warm meals from Sunday to Thursday.  

“Faith is what motivates the volunteers who prepare and serve food, and then eat with guests,” said Holy Wisdom Monastery Website Author Amy Ryan, whose organization volunteers every second Tuesday of the month. “The Community Meal Program is an important and practical way of being united with other faith organizations.”  

Volunteers sit down and eat with guests once all guests have been served. The Greater Madison community feeds thousands who all receive a hot meal with no check. Donations, instead of tips, are appreciated through the organization’s website.