Most towns with populations in the neighborhood of 2,300 are lucky to support a couple of small cafés. Eureka Springs, with its million‑plus visitors each year is home to approximately 80 (some seasonal) eateries.
To the town’s credit, its tradition of well-prepared food runs the gamut from high end restaurants to sandwich shops and other smaller places. Prices vary widely, and very good food finds its way onto plates at some charitable food pantries. The Cup of Love Ministry at 4032 E. Van Buren is one.
It is possible to sit down to a wonderful buffet style meal at Cup of Love that is, hands down, excellent.
No candles, no expensive linens or serving ware – just great cooking. For those who insist on paying at least something for any food they receive, there’s a jar for donations that support the food pantry to help make sure there’s food for those in greater need.
The bill of fare depends on what is donated. Many donations come from Arkansas Hunger Relief, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, Arkansas Community Foundation, and area individuals and businesses.
Cup of Love serves lunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and taking unprepared food home from the pantry requires only filling out a short form. Cup of Love is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It was founded in 2013 by husband and wife, Pattie and Chuck Jarrett.
The Jarretts consider the year 2021 to have been a blessing for the ministry. They managed to serve some 95,981 pounds of food to 5,918 families and 17,850 individuals. The couple are devout Christians, however, their services at Cup of Love Ministry don’t include much preaching. For those who seek spiritual guidance they do hold a non-denominational service on Sunday from10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. followed by lunch.
In the earlier years of their decade of service, the Jarretts served soup outdoors at various locations. They are now planning to restart their street ministry soon by serving hot food, groceries and handing out hygiene products near the old Worley’s Tire Service in Berryville.
To make a donation to Cup of Love Ministry you can go to their Facebook page; Paypal at paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/3806132; their website, acupofloveministry.org; or by mail at 4032 E. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632.