Six weeks of Lent start on Wednesday, better known as Ash Wednesday.
This year, Lent runs through Thursday, April 17, the last Thursday before Easter Sunday on April 20.
Local churches and community centers often host fish fries during the Lenten season to build community, providing a convenient alternative that adheres to religious beliefs.
Here's a list of a few Iowa City churches and community centers dishing out fish this year:
Regina Catholic High School, Iowa City
Regina Catholic High School, 2150 Rochester Ave., Iowa City, 319-338-5436
Regina Catholic High School hosts a fish fry each Friday during Lent from 5 to 7 p.m. The first fish fry is on Friday with the final meal on April 11.
For adults, the fish fry costs $14 and offers a choice of baked salmon, fried catfish, fried cod, or fried shrimp. Each adult meal is served with a baked potato, corn, coleslaw, cottage cheese, and a dinner roll. Attendees can add an extra serving of fish or a side of shrimp for an additional $5.
Children's meals are available, with the option of cheese pizza or mac and cheese. Each kid's meal comes with French fries and a cookie.
Guests can either dine in at the high school and play a bingo game or take food to go. Call 319-338-5436 to place an order beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Fraternal Order of the Eagles #695, Iowa City
Fraternal Order of the Eagles #695, 225 Iowa Highway 1, Iowa City, 319-337-9505
The Eagles will host a fish fry each Friday during Lent from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through April 18.
The meal includes fried pollock or a 6-piece shrimp meal for $22. The all-you-can-eat fish combo meal comes with mac-and-cheese, fries, and beans. The shrimp is not all-you-can-eat.
Solon American Legion Post 460, Solon
Solon American Legion Post 460, 222 E Main St, Solon, 319-624-2277
The Solon American Legion Post will host a fish fry each Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. through April 18.
The all-you-can-eat fish and shrimp fry will cost $18 for adults, which includes a side of coleslaw, party potatoes, bread, and a choice of one dessert. Kids' meals cost $9, and children under five eat for free.
The Solon American Legion Post offers takeout and delivery for homebound senior citizens in Solon.
The Legion post will also hold a 50/50 raffle each Friday, with all proceeds going to several veteran and community support projects.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at[email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_