“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35)
At the community kitchen, we aim to provide a warm, welcoming and safe environment for our clients as they enjoy a filling and nutritious meal.
After completion of the necessary food hygiene courses, the community kitchen at St Martin’s Institute started in July 2014. Revd David was a part of the community kitchen team from the beginning. Initially, the team members were all volunteers from St Martin’s Church. However, as the kitchen became a regular part of the church calendar, volunteers from the local community joined in.
The kitchen coordinator oversees a monthly staff rota and organises the food donations from outlets such as St George’s Crypt and supermarkets. Eventually, the community kitchen hopes to become a member of the Leeds Food Share network. Members of St Martin’s congregation also donate foods, mainly non perishable items. Each week, different teams cook, serve the food and welcome the clients. Each team is made up of four or five volunteers.
The training coordinator organises staff training and keeps the team members up to date with changes in government policy.
The community kitchen is open on Saturdays from 12.00 to 2.00 pm. A free three course meal of soup, a main course and dessert is normally provided. Tea, coffee and fruit juices are also served.
Our clients are the homeless and the less fortunate from all walks of life. To date, we have not turned anyone away. Client numbers vary from fifteen to over thirty-five, and more at the much appreciated Christmas dinner.
The photo below shows a team from the community kitchen.
