Earl Moore Photography
Soup Kitchen

Lunch at the local soup kitchen — no questions asked, everyone welcomed, free of charge, prepared and served by local volunteers — community helping community. Average daily servings between 120 and 150 people — men, women and some children. For many this is the best if not the only hot meal of the day. The line begins forming about 30 minutes before the doors open.

Almost every city has at least one soup kitchen…so how many meals are being served each day?


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Steve Skinner
12 years ago

I am always amazed as to how much volunteers accomplish each day.

Ken Bello
12 years ago

My wife volunteered in a kitchen much like this for many years and it was a remarkable experience for her. The volunteers are to be commended for providing a necessary service to so many in need.

John
12 years ago

Back when I was young and naive (as opposed to being old and naive), I thought Robert Heinlein was absolutely correct in the novel “Starship Troopers” by requiring military service before citizenship can be granted. While I still believe serving your country in the military is a noble cause, I think it might be a better idea if people volunteered to work in places like soup kitchens and shelters. It may give them a gentler, more empathic nature towards their fellow human beings.

Markus
12 years ago
Reply to  John

First a word to the image: Perfect! I like the light, the differentiated sharpness and the b&w conversion very much.

Re. service: Germany for a long time had a compulsory military service. When the numbers of conscientious objectors grew, alternative service in social facilities was introduced, and big numbers of young men provided a difference service for their country and most probably developed that different mindset which is so necessary for society.

Of course systems in Germany and the U.S. are differing very much in the extent of care the government provides for those in need, but the economic development of the last decades – richnesses for the rich – has led to a growing number of let-outs that we call “Tafel” (food-bank): institutions that collect and distribute foodstuff to people who are in a difficult situation.

John
12 years ago
Reply to  Earl

Hey Earl, I’m older too! I served 8 years in the U.S. Army from 1972 – 1980 (some of the best years of my life I might add!), and I’m pretty sure I’m naive…maybe the solution (if one exists) is a combination of things, service to you country (Civil or Military, I’ve done both) and service to the community – just to get a balanced view. I try not to worry too much about such things these days, as Stephen King says in the Dark Tower series – “The world has moved on”. I’m mostly a spectator!

Martina Egli
12 years ago

That is a beautiful portrait of your local soup kitchen. I really like the perspective you’ve choosen and the depth of field is fabulous too. It is admirable to see the passion of this volunteers and to realize how much they accomplish every day.

Monte Stevens
12 years ago

They come from all walks of life and with varying stories to tell of their situation. But what I like from these organizations is seeing the smiles from those accepting help. I remember a mother, her daughter and the daughters two children enjoying Thanksgiving meal at one of soup kitchens. When those kids came back for more the older men stepped out the way to let them go in front of them. I comment those who volunteer. The preparation time can be daunting but nothing compared to the cleanup time.

I also think it would be good for all politicians, overpaid executives and professional athletes to work at such facilities, maybe even stand in line and eat the same food with them. That’s a sore spot for me and no need for me to rant.

I also think the black and white processing helps bring out the smiles of the men. Well done, Earl!