Love Unlimited: We Cook. We Serve. We Show Up.

How One Grassroots Effort is Nourishing Bodies and Restoring Dignity

In New Albany, Indiana, Love Unlimited is serving more than meals – they’re building community. Founded by Stephanie Woodward, who serves as Executive Director, with Co-founder, Cathy Higgins, who leads the nonprofit’s programming, Love Unlimited delivers food, dignity, and connection to some of the most overlooked members of their community.

“We’re not just feeding people,” Cathy says. “We’re showing them they matter.”

“We Cook. We Serve.”

Love Unlimited isn’t a food pantry. They prepare hot, ready-to-eat meals and serve them directly to those in need, including older adults on fixed incomes, families with children, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals facing chronic illness, disability, or addiction.

“We cook,” Cathy explains. “We go in, we set up, and we serve. It’s not just about handing out food, it’s about being there, being present.”

We cook, we go in, we set up, and we serve. It's not just about handing out food, it's about being there, being present.

Each week, Stephanie and Cathy coordinate with rotating church groups and community volunteers who prepare the food offsite and help serve meals onsite in community spaces. “We haven’t made it so far as to be able to use a kitchen on-site yet,” she says. “But Stephanie [Woodward, Founder] is ServeSafe certified. She makes sure everything is on sternos or ice, we take it seriously.”

“We’re not just dropping off food,” Cathy adds. “We’re there, with them.”

From 20 to 53: A Growing Need

When Love Unlimited first began serving a meal in March 2020, they served about 20 people per week. Now, in 2025, they’re averaging 53 meals a week, more than double their original reach. And their numbers are rising even more.

Since becoming a 501(c)(3) in February 2022, they’ve provided nearly 11,000 meals, averaging around 3,700 meals a year. These numbers reflect both the increasing need and the steady commitment of a team that won’t quit.

“Thankfully, we have community involvement,” Cathy shares. “Different groups cook and serve on a regular basis throughout the year. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Thankfully, we have community involvement. Different groups cook and serve on a regular basis throughout the year. We couldn't do it without them.

Today, about 10 volunteers help each week, and 50+ individuals rotate through the program, including church partners and community groups.

Moments That Matter

This work is deeply personal. Cathy recalls one woman who broke down in tears when they arrived: “She hadn’t eaten in days.” Another resident dressed up for the meal just because it was a special occasion.

“People want to feel like someone cares about them,” Cathy says. “That’s what we’re trying to show.”

The meals are often shared communally, evoking the warmth of Saturday Suppers. “It’s food, but it’s also love. And sometimes that’s what people are really starving for.”

It's food, but it's also love. And sometimes that's what people are really starving for.

Alongside meals, Stephanie and Cathy, with their team, regularly offer donated essentials, from shoes and coats to everyday clothing gathered through community donations and Stephanie’s couponing and resourceful clearance shopping. It’s one more way they extend care beyond the plate.

Reaching the Forgotten

Love Unlimited’s work reaches a mix of people, some unhoused, some working but barely staying afloat, and many facing disabilities or addiction.

“It’s not just one type of person struggling,” Cathy explains. “We’re seeing people who are working, who have kids, who just can’t keep up with food costs.”

Their consistent return to a familiar site builds trust and opens space for connection, care, and conversation.

Love Unlimited volunteers serving hot meals with care and compassion. Clothing and other essential items provided to those served by Love Unlimited.

Doing More With Less

Despite their growing impact, Love Unlimited operates on a shoestring budget. Stephanie and her team prioritize meals over materials. Cathy shared, “We don’t spend much on tents or gear,” she says. “If it’s between that and feeding people, we feed the people.”

Support from community partners helps bridge the gap. Cathy lights up recalling a recent donation from Zaxby’s—180 chicken tenders—a big win for everyone. “Imagine if all fast-food restaurants did that instead of throwing food away.”

Refusing to Look Away

“These people are often treated horribly in public,” Cathy says. “Especially if they’re unhoused or struggling with addiction. I can’t fix it all, but we can do our part.”

These people are often treated horribly in public. Especially if they're unhoused or struggling with addiction. I can't fix it all, but we can do our part.

She points to countries like France, where businesses are required to donate excess food, and Norway, where housing is prioritized as a first step. “We could do so much better,” she says. “We just need to care.”

Why It Matters

Food insecurity is rising. But Stephanie and Cathy, and their team, are filling the gaps with heart, hustle, and humility. Their model of meeting people where they are, serving with dignity, and staying to listen, reminds us that every person deserves to feel seen and valued.

Love Unlimited may not have a commercial kitchen or a transportation fleet. What they have is purpose, people, and presence, and that’s a force that changes lives.

“We’re not saving the world,” Cathy says. “But we’re saving someone’s day. And sometimes, that’s enough.” And that is why their motto is “Never Lose Hope”.

For more information about Love Unlimited, visit their website. Let’s work together to strengthen what matters most: your community. Reach out to us here anytime. We’d love to meet you.

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