On Friday, St. Benedict's soup kitchen volunteers served a delicious and nutritious lunch that included turkey manhattan, green beans, salad, bread, and dessert.
Many people ate and socialized, while others eagerly waited for their turn to eat.
Fran Bailey, a volunteer at St. Benedict's Soup Kitchen, hands out hot meals to customers at the church's parish center Friday. Last Friday, the kitchen celebrated its millionth meal.
The soup kitchen provides free lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and feeds an average of 120 people each day, said volunteer Judy Hogan, who also directed the soup kitchen for about 12 years. It is said that they are doing so.
St. Ben's recently celebrated the April 26 milestone by serving its 1 millionth meal. The soup kitchen has been feeding Terre Haute's hungry for his 43 years.
Judy's husband, Terry, did some calculations and determined that the millionth meal would likely be served sometime in March. “We were just amazed by it,” she said.
Hogan said he continues to work to feed hungry people “because there's so much need.” For many people who frequent soup kitchens, it is the only meal of the day.
She knew patrons by name and complimented one customer's Cincinnati Reds T-shirt.
Many of those supported are homeless, and some are facing food insecurity. Some people drive cars, others walk or ride bicycles.
Being able to feed people in need of good food is “so gratifying. It's a blessing,” said Hogan, a former elementary school teacher. “I get a little worried when someone doesn’t come. …Are they sick?
Alistair Peterson, right, 5, playfully watches his father, Jason Peterson, as Jason cuts a turkey Manhattan on Friday at St. Benedict's Soup Kitchen on South 9th Street.
When the food program first began many years ago, St. Patrick's approached St. Ben's about implementing the program, and St. Pat's at the time provided them with soup and sandwiches.
About 10 years ago, St. Ben's grew so much that “we spun off on our own,” Hogan said.
Approximately 10 volunteers participate in the soup kitchen each day, for a total of 45 volunteers.
St. Ben's provides funding, as do civic groups and businesses. One Hundred Women Who Care, Guys Who Give and Miracle on 7th Street are all making donations. Various restaurants and individuals are donating food.
Terre Haute Casino Resort recently served a meal.
Master gardeners and individuals with gardens donate fresh produce.
The soup kitchen also relies on Terre Haute Catholic Charities in its mission to feed the hungry.
“Terre Haute is a really great city, and that makes me very happy,” Hogan said.
St. Benedict Soup Kitchen volunteer Andy Thompson, center, greets customers as he receives a sign from Terre Haute Casino Resort celebrating the kitchen's 1 millionth meal at the church's parish center on Friday. Help with drinks for meals.
Ciara Krumreich, the current soup kitchen manager, helped serve the meals at one point and then handed out to-go sandwiches. “It's rewarding to be able to help people who are less fortunate than us,” she said.
Among those enjoying the meal were 35-year-old Jason Peterson and his five-year-old son Alistair.
Peterson and his family often eat there. “Food costs are very high,” he said. He also likes to give his wife a cooking break.
Peterson likes to socialize with others over lunch, and he said the food is very good. He praised the efforts of the volunteers.
Another person who eats at the soup kitchen, Penny, also appreciates the program and eats there frequently. She receives food aid from the government.
“Our budget is really tight…it's not always easy to get food,” she said. “This helps.” She was accompanied by her 20-year-old daughter.
St. Benedict Soup Kitchen is located at 128 S. Ninth St., corner of 9th and Walnut streets.
If you are interested in volunteering or donating, please contact the church office at 812-232-8421.
