Our Mission
We seek to serve the poor and homeless of our community by sharing the love of God and giving them: Food for Their Bodies, Kindness for Their Souls, and Hope for the Future.
The Spartanburg Soup Kitchen is an inter-denominational, inter-faith ministry, made up of a partnership of various individuals and organizations across the Upstate. We share a common belief that when we serve those in need, we serve God.
Meet Our Board Members
Charlie Hodge
Chairperson
Brandon Pack
Vice Chairperson
Donnie Love, Jr.
Facilities Chair
Gary Elder
Programs Chair
Bill Warden
Equipment Chair
Morgan Zell
Secretary
Brenda Fuller
Member at Large
Lauren Harvey
Member at Large
James Pitts
Communications Chair
Clay McDonough
Development Chair
Rufus White
Treasurer
Ugena Whitlock
Member at Large
David Strull
Member at Large
In Loving Memory,
Lou Sartor – Executive Director, Compassionate Leader, and Advocate for the Hungry
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mrs. Lou Sartor, the beloved Executive Director of the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen. A pillar of kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication, Mrs. Lou led the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen for over 20 years, ensuring that no one in our community went hungry. Her impact is immeasurable, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.
“God has placed some people on earth to help show others that no matter what storm they’re going through in their lives, there is a rainbow on the other side of it.”
Our History
The Soup Kitchen began in February 1981. The members of Second Presbyterian Church made sandwiches for a few hungry people who were behind their new gym. Over time, the number of people grew from only a few to several hundred people daily. The soup kitchen evolved into a permanent mission housed in the church gymnasium.
After two decades, the need for a more efficient facility became apparent so the journey to relocate began.
In October 2009, The Spartanburg Soup Kitchen was officially formed after obtaining a 501c3 status. City rezoning for a soup kitchen was approved in summer 2010. This property, 136 S. Forest Street, was then purchased in August, 2010 to be the new location.
Construction began in June 2011. Work continued for several months until the building was ready in May 2012.
After 30 years, The Spartanburg Soup Kitchen had a new home and continues the mission started by Second Presbyterian Church of feeding the hungry in our community.