St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Weiser Offering FREE Soup Curbside
For about ten years now, the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Weiser has been serving the community with free, hot, homemade delicious soup. Every year, church members volunteer their time to gather ingredients, prepare from-scratch soups, and gather to dish up anyone wanting a hot meal. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, this year will be a little bit different.
Starting on January 14th, soup will be available through curbside pick-up for folks to take home and enjoy. Every Thursday from 11am to 1pm, people can pull up to the front of the church at 106 E. Liberty for curbside service. A church member will pack up the number of bowls you need. For those who are unable to drive down, orders for delivery can be placed by phone between 9am and 11am. Just call 208-606-9964.
On a “typical” year, the church and volunteers would also provide a table inside with cookies and other goodies that are donated by members. Many people come for the socialization and meeting new people while they enjoy a hot meal. Unfortunately, because they cannot provide an indoor space for gathering, curbside pick-up is the safest way for now.
Rev. Blake Coats explained that he is unsure of the turnout they will see this year. In the past, they have had approximately 60 to 80 community members come and go each week for the free soup, however, with this year being a whole different ball game, they do not know what to expect. “The demand could be even higher, or we may see less numbers due to social distancing,” he explained. They are limiting the number of volunteers, also. They would typically have ten or more volunteers, but this year they will try to function with around 4 or so.
Church volunteers plan to serve for three weeks starting January 14th, and then they will re-assess the need of the community at that time. If they are seeing good numbers, they will continue serving for 12 to 14 weeks. If numbers show that not many people are interested in the free soup this year, they may shorten that time. It all depends on how the first three weeks pan out.
The free soup giveaway is made possible by the generous donations of the community as well as members who donate supplies, cash donations, and their time. Rev. Blake Coats stated that the soup kitchen has always been well-received and supported in Weiser. Many people will make requests for their favorite soups, and they try their best to fulfill those.
Thinking ahead, Shrove Tuesday is a pancake event that is also put on by this church. Rev. Coats says that he doubts they will be able to do that this year, but it will be up to the Bishop to decide if it is safe to gather or not. This event is still up in the air. “Pancakes to-go may be something we try, who knows!” chuckled Coats. Living in the News will keep the community updated on that.
Again, anyone is welcome to come down for a bowl of amazing homemade soup every Thursday starting January 14th, from 11am to 1pm. Delivery orders can be placed between 9am and 11am by calling 208-606-9964.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
106 E. Liberty
(across from the Library)
