As early as 1950, there was a growing need to serve persons who walked into Centenary from off the street. The late 60's and early 70's saw a voucher system come into use for the downtown churches to use to provide housing and food. During this time, Union Theological Seminary offered a Doctor of Ministry degree that required a service year internship. A student from Union served a year at Centenary, and during his internship, the ministers of several downtown churches began to meet on a regular basis as needs of the homeless and indigent began to increase. This was the birth of the Downtown Cooperative Ministries and the Walk-In Feeding Program.

Centenary United Methodist Church feeds approximately 125 to upwards of 225 people, depending on the time of year, the weather, the employment statistics and many other variables. Some of the lunch guests have been eating at Centenary for 15 years. The food is acquired through the Food Bank, local grocery stores, restaurants, and seasonal gleaning from nearby farms; volunteers from other churches come to Centenary to prepare the meal. The guests then go through the cafeteria line, receive their meal, and take a seat to enjoy what may be their only meal for the day. A brief worship time with hymn singing is offered and they can visit the Clinic if need be.