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?
I am always amazed as to how much volunteers accomplish each day.
Steve, I don’t believe most people realize just how much volunteers do to keep this society running. I’ve become much more aware since beginning working for the agency I do but before I didn’t have any idea of the scale of volunteer efforts. Thanks!
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.
Ken, we’ve got some volunteers that have been doing this for over 15 years…it’s pretty remarkable what they make possible.
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.
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.
Markus, thank-you, I’m glad you liked this photo.
In the same facility as this soup kitchen there is also a food pantry, which hands out groceries to those in need, a clothing pantry, an over-night shelter and an emergency assistance network to help those who quality for financial help. They also do some counseling on managing everyday basic needs. All these functions use to be separate but were consolidated in the 1986 for efficiency. The need has increased greatly since 2008 so expansion plans are underway.
In this one small city there are also at least three additional agencies that provide some type of help for those in a crisis situation. It’s staggering to think about on the larger scale.
John, I’m older and perhaps naive but I do believe that some of service to the country should be required perhaps in exchange for some education opportunities. There should be some sense of the welfare of the whole and responsibility instilled in hopes of nurturing a better society. I think civil service would be as good as military for those who found it more agreeable. Thanks!
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!
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.
Martina, thanks. I work for the agency which runs this soup kitchen among other services. I do their IT support. It’s been an eye opening experience for me.
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!
Monte, The ones who stay at the shelter often become like family to each other and from stories I’ve heard they watch out for their “family members” away from facilities as well.
Thanks.