The Founding:
What started as a dream has finally turned into reality.
Years ago God gave several Kershaw County residents the same vision of a ministry to serve the hungry and homeless in our community. They talked about it among friends, fellow church members, and at work.
In December of 2008 the dream began coming to life. Two local individuals left money in their estates to serve those in need in Kershaw County. Their gifts became the seed money for what we now know as Food for the Soul of Kershaw County.
The volunteer board of Food for the Soul began meeting in December of 2008 and worked together with other members of our community to serve our first meal on Wednesday, September 9, 2009.
The first meal was in partnership with Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Camden. Mt. Moriah has been feeding the needy in our community for more than 25 years. Food for the Soul started by partnering with Mt. Moriah to expand its program by initially adding one day of service. In December of 2010 Food for the Soul completed construction on a new facility on the United Way Campus in Camden. In 2011 we began serving lunch to an average daily rate of 44 people on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each week. Mt. Moriah still continues to serve on Monday and Saturday of each week. In November of 2011 we opened our doors for overnight shelter due to inclement weather. In 2012 we officially became a United Way partner Agency.
Today:
Food for the Soul serves free, home cooked meals four days a week to anyone in need. In 2012 we served over 17,000 free lunches. We average around 75-80 per day receiving lunches. The actual cost to prepare a single meal is $1.50. That affordable price is due to generous gifts-in-kind of canned goods, non-perishables and supplies, and the good work of our staff and volunteers.
We operate as an emergency shelter for the homeless whenever nighttime temperatures are predicted to be 36 degrees or lower, providing men's and women's showers and washing machines. The showers and washing machines are also provided during daytime hours. We have 3 part-time paid staff members to help manage the use of the facility, cooking and overnight shelter.
Our mission is to end hunger and homelessness in Kershaw County. But we can’t do it without you. We need hands to help, minds to plan and hearts to donate money to buy food. Who knows where God will take us. We hope you will join us as this adventure unfolds.
Food for the Soul is a partner agency of the Kershaw County United Way.
