The Good Samaritan Inn

06/02/2026

🌱 Mercy Market's Opening Day is almost here! 🌱

The countdown is on, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back this Saturday June 6th for the first market of the 2026 season!

Join us as we kick off another summer of supporting local growers, makers, and producers while bringing fresh food and community together. Whether you're stocking up on farm-fresh vegetables, shopping for locally raised meats, enjoying live music, or simply catching up with friends and neighbors, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

We'll have a bounce house for the kids, plenty of fresh locally grown produce, meats, baked goods, vendors, music, and so much more to help us celebrate the start of market season.

Bring the family down and help us make Opening Day one to remember. We can't wait to see you at Mercy Market and start another great season together! 🌽🥕🎶☀️

05/29/2026

Thank you to Dollar General for volunteering in the gardens this month! 🌱

We are incredibly grateful for the support of new volunteers who have helped us keep things growing as our gardens continue to expand. Every helping hand plays a part in strengthening access to fresh, local food in our community.

If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and want to help support local food systems, we would love to have you join us! Email Denise at [email protected] or call 217-429-1455 to sign up for a volunteer shift.

05/27/2026

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Belinda! 🎉🫧

This is Belinda’s second time working with us, and we are especially grateful that this round has brought a full year of her steady presence to our team.

Belinda is quiet, dependable, and consistently willing to do what needs to be done day in and day out. She brings a calm reliability to the kitchen that keeps things moving smoothly behind the scenes. Her consistency and communication are two qualities we deeply value, and we know we can count on her every day.

Dishwashing may not always be the spotlight role, but it is one of the gears that keeps the whole machine turning. Plates get cleaned, meals keep moving, and our guests continue to be served with care because of hardworking people like Belinda.

Thank you, Belinda, for helping keep our facility clean, our kitchen running, and our patrons fed. We’re thankful for you! 💙

05/27/2026

We are always grateful when this wonderful group comes to volunteer!

Thanks for serving the community with us Golden K Kiwanis Club of Decatur

Golden K Kiwanis Club of Decatur at The Good Samaritan Inn on Tuesday, May 26th

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is woven into the freedoms we experience each day, and we are deeply grateful.

As many gather with family and friends this holiday, we also recognize that some in our community may still be in need of a warm meal and a welcoming place to visit.

Good Samaritan Inn will be open on Memorial Day from 11:30am-1:00pm, serving lunch to anyone in need. No questions asked. All are welcome at the table.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/23/2026

Just two weeks until Mercy Market returns! ☀️🌽🎶

We are excited to bring local growers, bakers, and makers together for a great start to your Saturdays all summer long.

One of the things we are most proud of, and the whole reason we started the market, is the ability to provide LINK benefits to market shoppers.

At every market, there is a LINK booth set up where shoppers can swipe their card and receive tokens to purchase many types of foods from eligible vendors. As an added bonus, each dollar swiped will be matched with a voucher that can be used to purchase produce.

These benefits extend beyond Mercy Market to the Decatur Central Park Farmers Market, the Richland Farmers Market, and even markets in Champaign, Urbana, Monticello, and Danville, helping more families bring fresh, local food to their tables.

Fresh produce, homemade goods, live music, and a community that believes everyone deserves access to healthy food... summer Saturdays are almost here, and we cannot wait to welcome you back to Mercy Market! 🌱🥕🛍️

05/22/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR JUNE

June has arrived and summer calendars are filling up fast ☀️🎶
With vacations and travel plans underway, we currently have several volunteer openings and would love some extra hands in the kitchen this month!

Every single day of the year, we fill two important volunteer shifts to help keep meals going out to our community.

🍽️ 9am-11am
Help prepare the daily meal by chopping ingredients, opening cans, making sandwiches, and packing sack lunches.

🥪 11am-1pm
Help serve lunch to patrons through our cafeteria-style line.

The dates we need help this month are listed in the photo, and many of the dates marked “urgent” currently have no volunteers scheduled.

No matter the season, Good Samaritan Inn will continue showing up with a daily, nutritious meal and a welcoming place for those who need it. If you’ve been looking for a way to help your community, this is a great time to jump in and join the crew. 💚

Call 217-429-1455 or email Denise at [email protected] to sign up!

05/18/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to spend part of your Memorial Day? 🇺🇸

On Monday, May 25th, we need volunteers to help in the kitchen at Good Samaritan Inn. Since many people have the day off, it’s a wonderful opportunity to give back alongside friends, family, coworkers, or church groups.

There are 2 shifts available:
🌿 Prep Shift | 9–11 AM (2-3 people needed)
Help prepare ingredients and sack lunches behind the scenes.

🌼 Serving Shift | 11 AM–1 PM (5 needed)
Serve meals cafeteria-style and help welcome guests with kindness and dignity.

Whether you sign up for one shift or stay for both, your time makes a real difference for our community.

📞 Call 217-429-1455 or email Denise at [email protected] to sign up!

05/14/2026

Happy 4 Year Anniversary, Charles! 🎉

For the past four years, Charles has been an important part of our team and a familiar, welcoming presence in our facility each day. From washing and putting away dishes to helping keep our space clean and running smoothly, he plays a big role in making sure we can continue serving our community well.

Charles also helps hand out sack lunches, greets guests at the door, and welcomes volunteers as they arrive to lend a hand. His steady presence and willingness to jump in wherever needed make a difference to both our team and the people we serve every day.

Thank you, Charles, for four years of dedication, consistence, and service to our community. Here’s to many more! 🌟

05/12/2026

Good Samaritan Inn has been providing a hot, nutritious meal to the Decatur community for 43 years.

If you are hungry, we are here to help.

Open today, and every day, from 11:30am-1:00pm.