BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Salvation Army soup kitchen in Lockport is welcoming the entire community to join them for a hot meal.
Over the past 40 years, Sister Mary Loretto's soup kitchen has provided more than 1.2 million meals to the community. On Wednesday, they honored the woman who started it all.
“Sister Mary Loretto was a dear saint who long ago called out the need to feed the hungry and did just that,” said Tom Duperry, commander of the Salvation Army in Lockport. Ta.
The kitchen was officially dedicated Wednesday to her and the mission she started 41 years ago. Ms. Loretto passed away in 1997, but her legacy lives on as the need to support food insecure communities grows.
“The need continues to grow, especially as food prices continue to rise,” DuPerry said.
During the summer months, whole families of mothers, fathers, and children are seen stopping by because there is not enough food at home. Usually he serves 100 people in a day, and sometimes he serves over 600 people in a week.
“This is also a place for people who don't need free food. It's a place for them to come and make friends with others and listen to someone's problems and concerns,” Duperry said. . “It's a shoulder to lean on and a place where people are accepted. Everyone wants that in life.”
Most of all, they are here to help feed neighbors in need.
“If you’re hungry, come eat,” Duperry said. “If you need more items in your pantry, we can help you. That way you can help yourself through the entire pantry and get the items you need. Don't go hungry, alone. Please don't.
The kitchen serves meals weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pantry, which collects donations from local merchants and farmers, is open three days a week.
FeedMore WNY also offers a “Food Express” collection of fresh produce on the third Thursday of each month.
Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. Learn more about her work here..
