Helping to Feed Our Community

Since 1986 The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) has operated four soup kitchens in the village of Patchogue. The combined goal is to serve a nutritious meal in an atmosphere of dignity and respect to all hungry residents and families. These soup kitchens have been hosted at; the Congregational Church, Emanuel Lutheran Church, St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Each of these locations serves a meal on different days of the week. This month these four soup kitchens combined under the name Patchogue Neighbor’s INN. Jeanette Lukas , Soup Kitchen Supervisor for The INN, sees this as a cost saving measure at a time when funding of soup kitchens has seen a marked decline. Wayne Ramsey, Fundraiser for the Patchogue Neighbor’s INN has been seeking out the money needed to serve the increasing number of guests who are coming to the soup kitchens. “I am thankful to be operating in a community that cares about its neighbors,” Ramsey says. “I am hopeful that the people and businesses of Patchogue will help us continue our mission here.” As Lukas points out, soup kitchens rely on enthusiastic volunteers to get the meals out and do all the other chores required. “Working in one of our soup kitchens has been a life-changing experience for many of our volunteers. We have people of all ages helping us out in many diverse ways. All have expressed gratitude for being able to serve the community of Patchogue. Ramsey has mixed feelings about the future of the soup kitchens. “Unfortunately our ability to continue this outreach is in jeopardy. Last year the Federal government ended their Emergency Food and Shelter Program which provided desperately needed funding.” Although this source of funding no longer exists, he believes that private donations will help close the fiscal gap. The Patchogue Neighbor’s INN is a not-for-profit organization, part of The INN. Presently, it needs donations of money, goods and services and is seeking volunteers for its Saturday morning meal at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church. If you would like to volunteer please call Louise Ramsey at 631-834-2938. If you or your organization would like to donate money, goods or services please call Wayne Ramsey at 631-379-0345