Lent is not just for giving up something. It's also for fried cod, fried catfish and sides of slaw and fries.

All that is in store at area fish fries during Lent.

Here's a sampling of local fish fries offered during Lent and throughout the year:

Granite City Eagles

Where: 2558 Madison Ave., Granite City

When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays throughout the year

Menu: Cod plates, $7.50; cod sandwiches, $5.50; grilled chicken plate, $7; hamburgers or cheeseburgers with sides of french fries, $5.25; 12-ounce rib eye with baked potato, salad and vegetable, $14.50.

Who benefits: Granite City Eagles

Call 618-451-2109 for more information

The 60 or more people who turn for Friday fish fries at the Granite City Eagles may like the fish, but they also can buy grilled chicken, hamburgers or a 12-ounce rib eye.

There also are specials like chicken and dumplings and homemade soap.

"Once in a great while, we'll even have barbecue," said Naomi Heatherly, bartender at the Eagles.

Holy Family Catholic Church

Where: 2606 Washington Ave., Granite City

When: 4-7 p.m., Ash Wednesday and every Friday in Lent

Menu: Cod plate, $8; cod sandwich, $6; all-you-can-eat walleye plate, $7; walleye sandwich. $4

Who benefits: Parish men's club and parent-school association

Call 618-452-8244 for more information

The breading on the cod and walleye at Holy Family Catholic Church isn't just any kind of breading. It's made of cornmeal.

"It makes it taste better," said Mary Ann Glosecki, a volunteer at the fish fry and a worker at the parish office.

To ensure that customers keep coming back, volunteers start from scratch to prepare slaw, fries and macaroni and cheese served as sides.

Sts. Cyril and Methody Church

Where: 4770 Maryville Road, Granite City

When: 4-7 p.m. second Friday of month except April

Menu: $7 dinner with choice of cod fillets or catfish nuggets with two sides, dessert and drink, $5 cod or catfish nuggets

Who benefits: The church

Call 618-931-6465 or visit stscm.net for more information

Don't plan to order dessert at the monthly fish fry of Sts. Cyril and Methody Church. It's included in the price of the meal.

The fish fry has been a regular event for the church for about 20 years.

For a few, the dinner is free. Out of the 300 or so folks who receive postcard reminders every month, four are chosen for a free meal.

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Where: 2300 Pontoon Road, Granite City

When: 4-7 p.m. Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent

Menu: Cod and catfish plates, $8; Jack salmon plates, $7; pollock, $6.50 a plate; sandwiches, $1.50 less than plate

Who benefits: Parish men's club, school and church

Call 618-877-3300 for more information

The cod and catfish plates at the Lenten fish fries at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church are often fried by volunteers who have worked there for decades.

Many volunteers are old timers, said fish fry chairman Roy Logan, who volunteered since the event began about 30 years ago. "Cooking the fish takes some skill," he said.

Hungry bellies flock to the fish fry for pressure-cooked cod that keeps the fish moist, Logan said.

Contact reporter Jim Merkel at 618-344-0264, ext. 138