Enfield Soup Kitchen Open In New Location, But One Need Remains

ENFIELD, CT — After serving the hungry out of the St. Andrew's Church basement since 1982, the Enfield Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen has moved into its new home in the former Silvia's Restaurant building at 23 North Main St. Hot meals are served between 4 and 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and from 11:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Walk-up service is available at the front door, and in what is believed to be a unique situation in Connecticut, a drive-up window is open on the east side of the building.

The kitchen is roughly twice as large as at the previous location, and a separate dishwashing room has been a key addition. The dining room is not yet open for indoor eating, so pre-packaged meals are provided to clients to carry home.

"When we open up, guests will be able to come through a line like a cafeteria, but right now, we have pre-packaged meals," said Francie Berger, director of finance and administration.

In the downstairs part of the building, shelves are well-stocked with canned goods, pasta and various food items. Volunteers pick up food donations daily from area supermarkets, as well as partners such as Target, Wal-Mart, Costco and local farmers.

There is no storage space on the main floor, and therein lies the problem: there is no elevator to transport items to and from the basement. Berger says that is a major concern of soup kitchen officials.

"Most of our volunteers are older, averaging between 65 and 75 years of age," she said. "The only access is a steep dark staircase. I'm fearful someone will fall down those stairs."

Soup kitchen officials are looking for an elevator to be installed measuring about 4 by 6 feet, big enough to contain a person and a food cart. Thus far, bids have been received from two companies, with estimated costs between $85,000 to $90,000.

Contributions may be made in three ways:

• Cash or checks may be dropped off at the building
• Donations may be mailed to Enfield Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 544, Enfield, CT 06082
• A GoFundMe account has been established

The soup kitchen is currently providing about 200 meals a day, as well as bags containing side items such as chips. A rack of bread and baked goods is also stocked each day. No proof of residency or need is required.

"Anyone is welcome to come and take as many hot meals as they like," Berger said. "We're happy to serve."

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This story is part of Patch's new partnership with Feeding America. Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

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