The Lenten season, a time of fasting, reflection and preparation for Easter among Christians, is drawing to a close this week.

The coming Maundy Thursday marks the end of Lent, with Good Friday and Easter falling on the following Friday and Sunday. While traditions have evolved so that observant Christians may abstain from any number of indulgences during this period, the time-honored tradition of not eating meat on Fridays during Lent has led to another long-standing custom — the Friday fish fry.

Numerous local churches offer fish frys to feed hungry people who do not eat meat on those Fridays. But so do several other organizations, especially nonprofits such as fire departments and cultural heritage clubs.

Among the popular Friday stops for fish dinners and sandwiches in Eastern Ohio are the Flushing, Wolfhurst, Smith Township and Bellaire fire departments, the Sons of Italy Lodge in Bellaire, the Masonic Lodge in Bridgeport, the Martins Ferry American Legion, the Martins Ferry Knights of Columbus and the St. Clairsville Eagles, among others.

Not only do these groups offer a meatless option for the faithful, but they also rely on these annual sales to raise money for their individual missions. And they provide a variety of tasty fair for anyone who would like to make fish their meal of choice. Most offer a variety of sides, and some even provide bake sales or, in Smith Township’s case, the Ice Cream Island food truck.

Time is running short to enjoy all of this seasonal fare, so you may want to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on the final fish frys of the Lenten season. Not only will you get o enjoy some delicious food (and maybe a decadent dessert), but you will also get the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting some worthwhile groups as they work hard to make ends meet.