By Nick Werner—
MUNCIE, IN—Lent is here, and the Soup Kitchen of Muncie is offering a guilt-free alternative to the tradition of abstaining from something you love for the next 40 days.
Instead of giving something up, the Soup Kitchen of Muncie is asking you to give something away during its 40 Days of Giving Food Drive, Feb. 22 to April 6.
People can participate in the daily food drive as an individual or as a group, and you can give food or money to the Soup Kitchen of Muncie (SKOM), according to executive director Loretta Parsons.
Generosity and sacrifice are universal values that unite everyone regardless of their faith or culture, and all are invited to participate, regardless of whether you observe Lent or not.
“This is for everyone,” Parsons said.
With food prices going up, donations will have an especially important impact this year, according to Parsons. There are people in our community who depend on the Soup Kitchen, and donors can help make certain that they receive a hot meal each day, regardless of inflation.
“We are all feeling the pinch,” Parsons said. “If there is any way you can spare one item each day for 40 days, that would benefit the soup kitchen, whether it is from our wish list or a monetary donation, we would appreciate your efforts.”
How to Participate
There are three ways to participate:
- Collect items from the Wish List. Set up a donation box in your home, office or place of worship. Add one item to the wish list per day for the 40 days. Deliver the items during designated drop off times at the end of Lent.
- Order from the Soup Kitchen’s Amazon Wish List.
- Pledge a daily donation. Pledge a dollar amount each day for 40 days. Any amount is appreciated! Submit online at soupkitchenofmuncie.org/donate, or write a check payable to the Soup Kitchen of Muncie, P.O Box 68, Muncie IN, 47308.
Wish List
The wish list is as follows: gift cards to local grocery stores; large cans of cream soups; dry pasta (egg noodles, macaroni or spaghetti); spaghetti sauce; cans of green beans, peas, corn, or mixed veggies; cans or jars of navy beans, white beans, black beans or baked beans; cans of mixed fruit, peaches or pears; cans of tuna, chicken, beef, or pork; dry onion soup mix; various herbs and spices; cornbread mix; vegetable oil; vinegar (white or apple cider); individual packaged snacks (crackers, chips, cookies, nuts, granola bars); applesauce or fruit cups; tuna pouches; napkins; paper lunch bags; paper towels; individual packets of salad dressing, hot sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Designated Drop-Off Times
- Saturday, April 8: 9 a.m. to noon, at the Soup Kitchen of Muncie, 920 E. Charles St.
- Thursday, April 13: 1 to 4 p.m., at the Soup Kitchen of Muncie, 920 E. Charles St.
About the Soup Kitchen of Muncie
The Soup Kitchen of Muncie is a non-profit, non-sectarian soup kitchen that serves those in need of food in Muncie, Indiana and the Delaware County Community. It serves all who are hungry with dignity and respect. Guests receive a hot meal and also a sack dinner.It serves meals Monday through Friday 9:30 to 11 a.m.
