The first Evening Meal at Lopez School on Thursday, Jan. 31 was a night of delicious, locally grown food, friendly conversation, and enough good cheer to warm a cold winter night.

Hungry Lopezians lined up out the door starting at 5:30, and the room was filled from then until the last meal served at 7 p.m.

Produce and meat for the white bean and pumpkin chili, lamb sausage, greens, rice, and chocolate beet brownies came from local food growers. Chefs Kim Bast and Jean Perry collaborated on the menu.

The goal of the evening meals is to make fresh and wholesome food available at an affordable price. Meal organizers plan to make this a monthly event.

Watch the Islands’ Weekly for information about the next Evening Meal at Lopez School.