I was a little skeptical of our stop in Jackson Mississippi. After all, it has one of the highest crime rates in the entire nation. Like any other city we went to though; I found the locals warm and friendly. The Stewpot is a soup kitchen that has been around since the mid-eighties. The kitchen is housed in an old brick building and serves lunch time meals.
Welcome to the Stewpot.
Clients are invited to attend a church service beforehand but it is not required. Announcements are given (many revolving around the other services that are offered), we were all introduced (people from Oregon are always a novelty past like Texas), grace is said and people eat.
What is unique about this soup kitchen is that all the lunches are pre-served on trays.
Volunteers getting the meals ready.
When it is time to eat, clients come in and sit down at big round tables. Volunteers then served each person (men, women and children) with a tray and a drink. Normally I would worry about food going to waste with the pre-served trays because somebody might not like something but almost every plate was scraped clean. People were extremely appreciative and polite illustrating to me that not all dignity is lost despite the situation.
Today's lunch.
People enjoying their lunch.
Youth artwork at the Stewpot:
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