Feeding The Hungry
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 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, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25: 34-36 (New International Version)

From a concern expressed during a ladies' Sunday School class, the idea of the Cheraw Soup Kitchen was born, and through the cooperation of several Cheraw congregations and businesses, the idea has become reality.

"Our mission is to provide nutritious meals in a safe, warm and caring environment," said Mel West, one of the coordinators for the soup kitchen. "These meals are free of charge and are available to anyone who comes seeking nourishment. Sometimes people hunger for fellowship and not just for food. This is just one way that we as Christians can reach out to our community," West said.

“The idea for the Cheraw Soup Kitchen came as we were talking in our Sunday School class about the economy and Cheraw families who may be having it hard right now," West recalled. "We decided that a soup kitchen would be a welcomed addition to our community. This has nothing to do with anyone being poor or needy, or even about income. It is about doing the Lord’s work, and everyone is welcome. The Cheraw Soup Kitchen is truly a community effort, and it would be impossible without the support of these local churches and businesses."

The Cheraw Soup Kitchen is open each Tuesday from 6:00 until 7:30 pm in the Cheraw First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The fellowship hall is located on Greene Street, across the street from the church sanctuary.

For information on the soup kitchen or to offer assistance, contact Mel West at 843.921.0462.