One Austin church is hoping more people will take advantage of a free meal they provide once per month for the public.

Christ Church, an Episcopal church at 301 Third Ave. N.W., hosts their Free Community Meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Saturday of each month. They started the meal last January, said Judy Bjorndal, Outreach Committee chairwoman.

A cold winter and the hot, humid temperatures lately may be attributing to low attendance, Bjorndal said. They have been averaging about 15-20 attendees.

“It did take awhile to get a foothold,” she said. “I think it takes awhile for people to feel comfortable coming.”

Bjorndal said other churches that provide free meals explained it takes time before people warm up to the idea of attending.

The church only serves the meal; they do not try to “recruit” members or minister to attendees.

The free meal was started because the Salvation Army provides free meals Monday through Friday each week, but weekend options were not available. Christ Church volunteers make and serve the food.

“Most volunteers share the meal as well,” Bjorndal said. “It doesn’t really take that many people to put on a meal.”

All church members, in addition to the general public, are invited.

On Saturday, the church served a “summer meal” of cheeseburgers, corn-on-the-cob, potatoes, fruit salad, bars and lemonade.