In Touch - January 2024
“A soup kitchen that doesn’t serve soup
and just maybe Syrup Sponge is a super food.”
In Touch is to all intents and purposes a soup kitchen which has for over 35 years been serving the homeless and disadvantaged. Every Tuesday and Friday lunchtime a hot two course lunch is served and yes, it is served, no queuing and no soup.
However, guests often arrive early and when we open tea, coffee and squash are offered along with a plentiful supply of biscuits. Guests mainly arrive individually, but friendship groups do exist and they sit together, so it is easy to see In Touch as a community.
Notices are given, consisting of the boring safety stuff along with important information on the Health Bus availability. This is followed by a short 2-3 minutes of why we do what we do, offering the hope of the Lord Jesus. Grace is then said which is concluded with a hearty loud AMEN!
Next the main event, the food is served. We are so grateful to be partnering with Nando’s chicken, so you can guess the meals are mostly chicken based, yet the three chefs go above and beyond to get variety. But, it is often the pudding that steals the show. Now, I am not given to trendy food, be it broccoli or Manuka Honey, however, I’ll put in a bid for Syrup Sponge to be classed as a super food.
Let me explain. Syrup Sponge with custard is always a crowd pleaser. On one memorable occasion I was clearing bowls and a young chap commented, “that was amazing, it reminds me of my Nanna’s.” I replied, “does your Nanna know where and how you are?” “No,” he responded and continued, “I should call her and let her know that I am ok.” I handed him a phone and he called her. He left telling me that he was now going to stay with his Nanna. Now that is the power of food, in this case Syrup Sponge, to get someone off the streets and back into re-engaging with his family.
It takes time and hard work to organise and run an In Touch meal twice a week. But week on week, we pray and see results. Peace and calm where frankly chaos and disorder would be the norm. Often gifts of food, clothing, toiletries and funds arrive just when needed. Professional support for housing or health turn up unannounced just when needed. We see God at work amongst us and the guests, both practically and spiritually.
Work starts early at 7:30am, opening the kitchen, setting up the tables, sorting clothes and toiletries. With meal preparation, the mammoth task of washing up commences. We meet as a team for prayer prior to opening the doors 11:45. The last hot meal is served at 1pm and doors are closed at 1:30pm allowing final clear up to be completed. It is a long day! Nevertheless, it is truly an honour to lead the large team of volunteers that are In Touch.