COLUMN: Carillon Flashback June 17, 2004 – First soup kitchen opens in Steinbach
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A Mitchell woman’s dream will be realized on July 6, when the first soup kitchen opens in Steinbach. The idea germinated in Joy Neufeld’s mind four years ago, but she kept putting it off.
“I was being nagged – don’t forget your dream,” she says. “Then a light bulb moment. This was God’s idea.”
Soup is On will operate out of the basement of Grace Mennonite Church – accessible by an outside entrance – on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 5 to 7 p.m. and is open to anyone having difficulty making ends meet.
“There is definitely a need for this sort of program in Steinbach,” says Neufeld, who has done extensive research on how much the kitchen might be utilized.
She notes leaders in organizations such as Anna’s House, South East Helping Hands, Grace Have Pregnancy Crisis Centre and Youth Drop-in Centre confirm there are more individuals who need this type of service than most people realize.
Neufeld points out few questions will be asked of those coming for a meal.
“We are not here to judge or counsel,” she suggests.
Although the Grace Church is offering its facilities and gave Neufeld initial backing, her vision is to run this as a community project. To this end, a committee of five, which includes John Enns, Simone Penner, Irene Kroeker and Cpl. Bill Richards, has been struck to work with Neufeld.
Volunteers are needed for different times and various areas of work. The committee is asking for cooks, servers, clean-up personnel, hosts and pick-up and delivery people. They expect most of the food will be donated by supermarkets, bakeries, butcher shops and individuals.
One farmer, for example, has already donated a hog, which is being processed. The meals each week will be determined by the food on hand.
Neufeld, who has worked at the Association for Community Living for 18 years, has received overwhelming support from her husband Peter and three adult daughters, as well as her church and community members. She is ready to expand to more suppers a week if the need surfaces.
Neufeld feels she has found her niche and has committed at least five years to working with the project.
“I love to plan meals, cook and serve. Cooking and giving away my food to those in need…. that’s a plan.”
– with files from Doris Penner