Casserole and Bag Lunch Ministries

There is nothing quite like a homemade meal to nourish the body and soul during a difficult time.

Your donation of a homemade casserole or bag lunch is a simple but effective way to show your neighbors experiencing homelessness that you care.

These ministries are a great opportunity for your church or service group to make an impact by providing meals for the more than 200 men, women, and children staying in the St. Vincent de Paul shelter each night.

UPDATE as of January 2026

* The updated Casserole Donation Guide and Recipes (updated January 2026) contains six approved recipes with substitution options and important health and safety guidelines.

* The updated Bag Lunch Donation Guide (updated January 2026) explains a recent change to preserve freshness: we now ask that you do not assemble the sandwiches ahead of time. Instead just donate the bread, meat, and cheese in their original packaging, and staff/volunteers will prepare sandwiches as needed.

All food donations are accepted daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at our Central Kitchen
Address: 1133 Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Door W6 (at the back of the Job Center)

If you would like to schedule a specific drop off time or if you have any other questions, please contact Janet at jbrubaker@stvincentdayton.org.

Thank you for your support!

Casserole Donation

It takes about 14 casseroles to serve one meal for all our guests, which makes this a great service opportunity for your church or service group!

Please use our most currently UPDATED Casserole Donation Guide (updated January 2026). This guide provides approved recipes with substitution options, helpful information for organizing a casserole drive, and important food safety information. As a reminder, we request that casseroles be delivered all together and FROZEN.

Bag Lunch Donation

We serve approximately 200 bag lunches daily for guests staying at the shelter. For many who arrive after-hours or who miss shelter mealtimes due to work, school, or other appointments, a bag lunch may be their main meal of the day.

Your help in providing these meals can make someone’s whole day! Please use our most current Bag Lunch Donation Guide (updated January 2026) for full information. Thank you for your kindness!