"We are a small ministry, but we do a lot," said pastor Robert Middleton of Jeremiah's Cupboard. He's not kidding. The Columbia nonprofit regularly offers free meals to the community, and it will serve a free holiday dinner on Saturday, Dec. 23, from noon to 6 p.m. in the social hall behind Salem United Church of Christ, 324 Walnut St.

"It will be a traditional holiday dinner, with turkey, stuffing, mac and cheese, green beans, cranberry sauce, salad, bread, a drink and dessert," Middleton said. "We want everyone to come out and have a free, hot dinner. It's all about feeding our community."

Middleton started Jeremiah's Cupboard about two years ago, having served in a ministry capacity at other churches for almost a decade. He became an ordained minister in 2021.

Although his life is now dedicated to serving others, Middleton wasn't always focused on that. Originally from Atlantic City, he's lived all over the country, but he said he wasn't on the path he wanted to be.

"I was homeless for 30 years," he stated, noting that he was also using drugs. "I heard the Lord tell me, 'I've got something better for you.' One day, I said, 'All right, I have had enough,' and ever since then, I've been growing closer to the Lord."

Ten years ago, he came to Columbia, noting that God brought him here.

Middleton decided to use his love for cooking as a focus of his ministry. "I've cooked for 25 years," he said. "This is my talent." He makes all the food for the meals he serves. Jeremiah's Cupboard offers two free meals a month, on the second and fourth Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m. at Salem United Church of Christ. "Last week, we served 110 meals," he recalled.

Along with serving dinner, Jeremiah's Cupboard offers weekly prayer and support sessions from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at City Gate Columbia, 243 Locust St. "People can come in and talk, join in prayer, enjoy a Danish," Middleton said. He also gives out information to help people get back on their feet, like bus pass information, rent assistance information and food vouchers.

Middleton emphasized that no matter what anyone is going through, he or she can rely on God for love and support. "Life has ups and downs," he said. "I learned from the Lord that He will help us through them."

He encourages everyone to enjoy the free holiday dinner or any meal that Jeremiah's Cupboard provides. "We love everybody, and it doesn't matter who you are. Come get a free meal," he said. "Come sit and meet new people, talk with people, pray with people. Knowing that I'm helping somebody is what thrills me. If I can put a smile on someone else's face, there's no better feeling in the world."

Middleton noted that the ministry is always looking for volunteers to help at the meals. For more information, email robert@jeremiahscupboard.com. For more information on the ministry, visit https://jeremiahscupboard.com.