Food for body and soul

There’s more good food news on Bainbridge Island. On May 23, a group of islanders will host a soup kitchen on Madrone Lane (across from Mora Iced Cream). The meal will feature music and art as part of the nourishment. Take a look at the kitchen’s blog, “Soup Kitchen: Promoting Good Things with Free Food.” 

From the blog:

The purpose of this one-evening venture is simple: to provide a free meal, entertainment, and camaraderie to locals who have been kicked around by the recession.

Soup kitchen is being held for its own sake (there is no underlying moral message, call to arms, or agenda) and it is meant to be inclusive. Islanders of all backgrounds and situations are invited. We hope to attract people of all conditions, since so many of us are joined, these days, in shared stress and uncertainty.

This is a gift to all of us for so many reasons. I often get discouraged when I hear islanders say we really have no problem with hunger and poverty on Bainbridge Island. That opinion is tossed off casually, even by people who are otherwise deeply engaged in political issues. It’s often followed by a story about someone with a Mercedes standing in line at the Helpline food bank. As if someone who’s dripping in jewels and cars would choose to pick up a some canned goods at the food bank in order to scam the system.

Here’s the reality. A couple with disabilities who get by on minimum wage jobs (serving the island at our Winslow businesses) were overheard discussing how they’ll eat that day. They’ve run out of money a few days shy of the next check.

A recently divorced mom who stayed home after the birth of her kids, re-enters the work force at a salary that puts her and her children below the legal poverty line–and she’s grateful she found a job at all. Women like her might even drive a Mercedes left over from the marriage, but kids can’t eat a car.  

Current data on the numbers of people in need on Bainbridge is hard to come by, but as of 2007, 500 people a month were visting Helpline’s food bank. In the past two months, Helpline has put out two calls for donations because it’s having trouble serving all the people who have come for help.

According to City Data, about 5% of islanders have incomes less than the poverty level and 2% have incomes that are 50% below the poverty line. Many have permanent disabilities. About half are single females and many have children. Over 1000 islanders live in poverty in a community that has no reduced cost health care facility, very little subsidized housing and now, with the closing of Serenity House, only one very small group home for developmentally disabled adults. And that was before the recession.

So even without an underlying agenda, the soup kitchen is drawing attention to a real need. With its vision of food, conversation, and music, its impact may live beyond a one-evening event. It could inspire similar acts of generosity and community gatherings across our island.

Like the Island Terrace Community Garden, the Soup Kitchen needs volunteers and money. Go to their blog for details.