The support of Soup Kitchens: Community and connection for people living in poverty

Across the 6 Eastern European countries we work in, our Soup Kitchens are a place of service to people who are struggling physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For people living in deep poverty and lacking support, not only do they enjoy a nutritious and hot meal, but they are welcomed into a community that feels like home.

Bardha and Alma preparing meals at the Soup Kitchen

Alma, who works as a coordinator of the Soup Kitchen in Lapraka, Albania, has witnessed the impact of this simple act of providing food and connection:

“Many people living in poverty here are originally from the north of Albania, where life is very difficult, and the church that we partner with opened its doors to meet their needs. The meals are what have brought people together, but through the community here, they have had the opportunity to get to know Jesus."

Fitor with others

Fitor Muça, the pastor of the local church that partners with MWB, shared:

“At the Soup Kitchen, we see families, older women, the elderly, people who are divorced and widowed, parents who have health issues. They would just have no way of eating food like this without our help. They have stew, vegetables, rice, pasta, food they enjoy.

“Some people have grown up in the Soup Kitchen. We have an older boy who started coming here when he was just two years old. They will never forget the love of God they see here – actions more than words.”

Neđeljko and Miloš enjoying a game of chess

When you show your support, the impact reaches beyond one meal, touching the lives of all who are connected to our Soup Kitchens:

People like Neđeljko, 86, and Miloš, 78, who enjoy playing chess together at the front of the Soup Kitchen in Glamoc, and who also volunteer by delivering meals to those who are housebound.

People like Radojka, 88, who can no longer walk to our Soup Kitchens and lives alone, but still receives regular visits from a coordinator, bringing care and support to her home.

And people like Stana, a 77-year old woman whose life has depended on the help of Soup Kitchen staff who have taken her to the hospital after collapsing and falling unconscious three times, saving her life.

Even children like Stojana, 4, and Stojanka, 5 – sisters who come from a home of domestic violence and find refuge at the Soup Kitchen – receive attention and love from older people like Stana, who in return can finally experience the feeling of family again.

Help put people on a path of hope and joy – Donate today!

Radojka and one of our coordinators