HOPE Soup Kitchen needs financial help, food

The HOPE Soup Kitchen has been in operation for six years meeting the needs of the hungry in the community. Located at the HOPE Center, 595 S. Ragsdale, the kitchen provides breakfast and lunch five days a week. When it originally began, the kitchen offered lunch only three days a week. Increasing to five days and two meals a day, along with the increase of number of people being served has put a financial strain on the HOPE budget. More than 16,000 meals have been served since January 2005, a dramatic increase from the previous years.

Support is needed to help continue to meet the needs of the hungry. Monetary donations, food and other consumable items can be brought to the HOPE Center Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- noon and 1-5 p.m. The Soup Kitchen can also accept food that has been prepared in a licensed kitchen, such as local restaurants. Individuals who have had catered parties can also bring leftovers that can be served in the Soup Kitchen.

Soup kitchen needs include coffee, creamora, sugar, No. 10 cans of fruit and vegetables and tea bags.