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.
Our Leadership
Lanie W. Carter
Chairperson
Leonard Starks
Vice Chairperson
Nate Toms
Treasurer
Cheri Anderson-Hucks
Stewardship Chair
Janata Glover
Member at Large
Lauri Darwin
Secretary Chair
Donnie Love, Jr.
Facilities Chair
Brandon Pack
Communications Chair
Ugena Whitlock
Member at Large
Charlie Hodge
Development Chair
Gary Elder
Programs Chair
Bill Warden
Equipment Chair
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.