Souped up Sallies
Goodwill cafe proving popular
Demand at a new soup kitchen is soaring, with its goodwill and fine fare appealing to the taste of patrons.
The weekly Friday lunchtime Soup Cafe in Palmerston North started last month, and word has spread fast that the doors are open and lunch is free, Salvation Army staff member Kat Eden said.
And that’s what the church wants; everyone is welcome, no questions asked.
The cafe is aiming to fill hungry bellies, providing welcoming company and a link to other community services.
Church members join in regularly.
No-one has to line up for food, everyone is served at the table, and all ages and people from different backgrounds come together.
Throughout New Zealand, Salvation Army figures show demand for food parcels increasing steeply, with first-timers the highest group.
‘‘It’s heart-wrenching. Some people’s stories are horrific,’’ Eden said.
Many are living in hotels or cars, and many are sharing houses with other families, and are under an enormous amount of stress, she said. One couple they are helping is dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis while living rough.
Increasing demand for budgeting services meant a long waiting list, Captain Michelle Lee said.
‘‘The cost of living is so much these days, and accommodation’s the biggest problem.’’
There are several hot evening meals offered in Palmerston North for those in need, but nothing during the day, she said.
‘‘We wanted to do something for people who are on the streets and needing hot food. People that come here for the food bank, we can make sure they are fed. And we’ve had lots of children too.’’
Mothers had shared stories of missing meals to keep the kids fed.
A volunteer from the church cooks up three giant pots a week for the cafe with help from her grandchildren.
But donations of vegetables, money for ingredients, or canned soup to give her a week off would all be welcome, Lee said.
Guest Lynette Fordyce, 60, has come each week since the cafe started.
‘‘It’s free, and it’s presented nicely. Otherwise you’re sitting alone at home with your four walls for company.’’
Lorraine Phillips, 74, sometimes helps out by volunteering at the church.
‘‘It’s lovely, there’s lots of people to talk to. We’ve had tomato, we’ve had pumpkin, and an Asian soup one day.
‘‘We go away feeling great with a nice full stomach.’’