Annie Fortnum was well into retirement when she realized perhaps the most necessary calling in her life. Acting in response to the ever-alarming rate of poverty in our communities, Annie Fortnum and Bob Snyder founded “Annie’s Kitchen” in 2004, an all-volunteer effort facilitated by Fortnum, Snyder, and dozens of volunteers to cook and serve a free community meal, every Wednesday night in the Fellowship Hall of Edmonds Lutheran Church.

According to the organization, Bread for the World, one in four American families struggle today to find adequate food. It is this need that gave rise to a community effort that over the years has served tens of thousands of meals.

The weekly dinner grew from humble beginnings when only four people showed up for the first feast. But it has been steadily growing since then, bringing new faces and appetites each week to the church. It is now estimated that Annie’s Kitchen serves over 10,800 meals a year, free of charge. No strings attached.

For more information about Annie’s Community Kitchen, or to volunteer, email us.