Florida Catholic | Slow Economy Means Brisk Business For Soup Kitchen

Slow economy means brisk business for soup kitchen

St. Martin de Porres Parish notices an increase in the number of people served at their Friday evening meals.

LINDA REEVES | FLORIDA CATHOLIC PALM BEACH BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 04.04.08

Samuel Veltre was one of many who were served at the Bread of Life Kitchen at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Jensen Beach on a recent Friday evening.
JASON COLLINS | FC

JENSEN BEACH | Ministers at Bread of Life Kitchen at St. Martin de Porres Parish point to the economic downturn for the increase in business there.

“More and more people are coming in because times are getting tougher,” said Anita Barsuglia, who has been volunteering to help out at the kitchen since its beginning.

For the past 15 years, the kitchen has served support, companionship and love, as well as thousands of hot meals.

“(The kitchen) is for the lonely and needy of the community,” said parishioner and co-founder Beth Riley, who helped stage the parish program since the first dinner. “We saw a need for it and went to Father (Thomas) Rynne, who was pastor at the time. He said, ‘By all means and you have my blessings.’ We prepared for 100 the first night. Nine or 10 showed up.”

The program began on the inspiration of Riley and Cathy Bergess, who retired from the ministry due to health problems.

Nearly 150 people show up on Friday evenings for a hot meal, totaling more than 100,000 meals served over 15 years of operation.

The community effort also brings out the best in the parish. Seventy-five volunteers contribute to the weekly meals by shopping, preparing food, cooking and serving.

“We have different cooks each week,” said Riley.

Food is donated to the charity by businesses in the community. Some ingredients are purchased at 16 to 17 cents per pound at the Treasure Coast Food Bank through the help of parishioners’ and clients’ donations.

“We put a ‘love basket’ out,” said Riley. “Some of the people who come asked for one.”

Barsuglia said the volunteers socialize with the people who come to eat.

“We seat them and serve them. It is a cross section from the community. Older people come alone. It gives them a chance for some company. We have men who don’t have anyone to cook for them. Some of the men are down and out, and some children come in on their own,” she said.

Marion Sines began working at the kitchen eight years ago.

“I help serve and socialize,” she said. “I enjoy it. It is rewarding.”

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Slow economy means brisk business for soup kitchen

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