An organization that provides daily free meals in Corvallis is looking for a new kitchen and dining space.
Founded in 1982, Stone Soup has been cooking and serving most of the meals at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
However, the space used by Stone Soup will no longer be available starting July 1, according to the church.
Elizabeth Jones is president of the Stone Soup board of directors and cooks there once a week.
She told KLCC that some regular customers have been coming for decades.
“So it’s not just about food,” she said. “It's about creating a safe space where people can eat and enjoy company, warmth, and camaraderie not only with each other but with the volunteers.”
Jones said she hopes the community will help find a new location with a commercial kitchen and room for up to 60 people on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Their long-term goal is to have just one dining venue. They serve at several different locations on different days. Some daily meals are served at lunchtime and others at dinner.
“Not all of our diners will be empty,” Jones said. “A lot of people do. But many people are on a budget and want to enjoy free food.”
Jones said she always serves a complete meal, including soup, salad, main course, dessert, coffee, milk and juice.
Stone Soup is named after a children's folk tale in which a village begins with just a soup pot of water and stones. When each person donates something, it turns into enough food for everyone.
In a news release, Stone Soup said St. Mary's Church has notified the church that its dining hall and kitchen will be unavailable starting July 1 due to construction of a new high school within the church grounds.
