January 2006

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Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen
by Susan H. Collinge

The work of peace and justice takes many forms in Adams County. Not long ago, ICPJ honored Nancy Forgang for her role in establishing the Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen by giving her the Peacemaker Award (2003). Nancy has since retired from day-to-day management of the soup kitchen, although she continues to play a very active role in its continuing operations as a member of its Board of Directors.

Janice Guillory has assumed the responsibilities of directing day-to-day operations, which she discharges very capably, much in the spirit in which Nancy founded the soup kitchen. The soup kitchen is still located in its original home in the basement of the Parish House of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church on High St. Open six days a week, from 11:30-12:30, it now serves an average of more than 1,000 meals a month.

As anyone who works with the marginalized and food-insecure can tell you, the poor face multiple challenges in our–or any– community, and the soup kitchen offers more than food, warmth, and hospitality, although it does those things exceedingly well. It often serves as a first contact for steering people in need to other services that are available in the area. It was my privilege to be volunteering in the kitchen one day recently as Jan tried to talk with a slightly confused older client, who obviously needed a great deal more than the meal just consumed. With patience and gentleness, Jan was able to learn enough to make a referral for the client to another local organization that could give further assistance.

This is not an unusual occurrence at the soup kitchen. Every time the Board of Directors meets, we hear of the clients who have been supported while they search for housing or jobs. We hear wonderful success stories; we hear (sadly) of some whose situation is an on-going concern or who have simply dropped out of sight–and no one knows why. (The majority of the clients are familiar to the Director and the crew of volunteers who regularly help, and new people are quickly recognized and welcomed.)

Because of the generosity of churches and community groups in Adams County, and the many volunteers who take turns cooking and serving, food is not often a concern. Somehow, there is always enough. The soup kitchen is by far the most successful ecumenical enterprise in the area, for everyone involved agrees that the hungry should be fed, and that belief unites us all.

Running the soup kitchen takes more than food and willing volunteers, however. There are supplies to be purchased, insurance policies to be paid, and modest salaries for its three part-time employees. If you are interested in a way to help the less fortunate who are at your own door here in Adams County, consider making a donation to the Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen, c/o of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 20 W. High St., Gettysburg, PA 17325. The churches are generous, but without the support of individuals as well, the soup kitchen cannot continue to sustain the level of service that it has been providing for the past 14 years, in the face of an ever-growing need.

Susan H. Collinge is Chair of the Board of Directors for the Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen.

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Last updated March 7, 2006

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