Our senior pastor, Rev. Sally Allocca, is also the executive director of Promoting Empowerment and Enrichment Resources (P.E.E.R., Inc.). Many P.E.E.R. programs operate out of East Lake UMC and may look and feel like part of ELUMC programs and ministries. We proudly claim P.E.E.R. as our sister non-profit!
You can read more about P.E.E.R. and their mission by clicking here. Their works takes place in food deserts and increases access to affordable, fresh, healthy food options. Two of their main programs include the Downstairs Diner and the East Lake Farmers Market.
Downstairs Diner – Check out this month’s menu below!
P.E.E.R. staff members use our church kitchen to provide low-cost, high quality meals. We’re open Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm. $8 includes a drink and dessert, and it’s only $6 for people 60 and older.
The Diner also includes a seating area, so it’s a perfect spot for a lunch with friends, a lunchtime work meeting/small group/book club, or a chance to meet some new people! Scroll through the photo slideshow below for photos of our space. There is live music every second Thursday of the month, and there is a crochet group each Tuesday at noon.
In addition to providing lunches during the week, the Diner also provides catering services, and you can purchase delicious baked goods, casseroles, and more from the Diner. These delicious sides and sweets are an especially big hit during the holidays, but they are available year-round too. All proceeds support P.E.E.R. programming. All of our offerings, sizes, prices, and holiday deadlines are featured on the order form below.
2024 HOLIDAY DEADLINES:
- Thanksgiving orders are due by Friday, November 15 and must be picked up by Tuesday, November 26.
- Christmas orders are due by Friday, December 13 and must be picked up by Monday, December 23.
For directions and help finding the Diner, click here. For more information on the Diner, check out their Facebook page.
East Lake Farmers Market
The Farmers Market can be found in our smaller parking lot behind the church every Saturday, 8am-12pm, during Market Season (beginning of May through mid-October). The Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT and Senior Nutrition Coupons. In addition to being able to support local farmers and get access to fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also find:
- Baked goods like cinnamon rolls and cheese straws
- Casseroles
- Jams and jellies
- Wellness Pantry Hygiene and Health items
- East Lake Market gifts and merchandise
- Occasional live musicians, artists, and demonstrations of all kinds
- A friendly atmosphere that fosters conversation and community
- Kids’ Corner (table with free fun, games, crafts, and snacks from 10am-12pm)
- Thrift Store open from 9am-12pm
P.E.E.R., Inc. also offers pop-up mobile markets at multiple locations to help expand fresh, healthy, food access.
For more information on the Market, check out their website and Facebook page or email angela@eastlakemarket.org.