BALTIMORE — For nearly ten years, Govans Presbyterian Church has been serving meals to the community on a weekly basis, thanks to the dedicated efforts of local volunteers.
“When I started volunteering at the soup kitchen, it struck me that these individuals are just like me. They each have their own unique stories that deserve to be acknowledged. They are people who need to be fed, heard, and recognized, showing that someone out there truly cares,” shares Kenneth Bungaslo.
Recently, the church has announced plans to revamp its community service approach, including the upcoming closure of the Soul Kitchen.
In response, a group of concerned volunteers has launched a petition.
“When I learned that the Soul Kitchen was set to close, I was taken aback. It felt illogical to shut down a soup kitchen during the coldest time of the year, when people most urgently need warm meals and reassurance that they are cared for,” remarks Chloe Kovac.
Interim Pastor, Reverend Doctor Ron Hankins, expresses his understanding, noting his support for the volunteers’ concerns and their strong commitment to community service.
“We hear their voices loud and clear and genuinely value their concerns. I truly appreciate their advocacy,” Hankins affirms.
However, he explains that the closure of the Soul Kitchen is part of a transition towards introducing a community fridge on the church grounds.
This fridge will be accessible 24/7, welcoming all community members. Yet, the volunteers believe that a fridge alone is insufficient.
“There is a significant difference between a warm, freshly prepared meal and something served cold. Many of the individuals we assist lack the means to heat anything, so offering cold meals limits who can actually benefit from the fridge,” states Emma Hester.
While the volunteers advocate for keeping the Soul Kitchen operational, the church has been exploring sustainable food distribution methods, given that volunteers are not always available, and meals are distributed only once a week.
Hankins mentions that if the church discovers a way to maintain both the community fridge and the Soul Kitchen, they will pursue that route.
“We’re committed to enhancing access to those affected by food insecurity and aim to broaden our approach in both a sustainable and accessible manner,” Hankins says.
Currently, the Soul Kitchen is slated to close on December 31st, but volunteers remain determined to keep the facility open.
This story initially aired on television and has been adapted for this platform with the help of AI. Our editorial team ensures that all reports across all platforms prioritize fairness and accuracy.
