Vincent's Vittles

           For this assignment, I volunteered at a soup kitchen at a church called St. Vincent’s. I volunteered over Spring Break, while I was at home. The church calls their soup kitchen “Vincent’s Vittles,” and they provide a free meal to the public once a month. The meal is different every month, but at this meal they served burgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, potato salad, baked beans, and dessert. I helped set up tables, pour drinks, and then I helped serve the food once the meal started. I also helped clean up once the meal was over. I didn't bring my phone into the dining area, so I don't have any pictures of the event.

            This volunteer activity related to our class because Vincent’s Vittles serves meals to low-income families in the Cape Girardeau, Missouri area. However, the meal recipients aren’t required to be individuals in poverty. Church members often come to eat the food also. I think this is a major benefit of the Vincent’s Vittles program, because it doesn’t make low-income families or individuals feel self conscious or embarrassed to be eating the free meals.

            While volunteering, I met some girls who are currently in the Community Nutrition course at Southeast Missouri State. They are required to volunteer for 10 hours throughout the semester, and two of them were volunteering with me. It was nice to meet them, because we may be working in the same areas in the future.  

            I think that Vincent’s Vittles has a positive effect on the Cape Girardeau community, because they provide a safe place for people to come enjoy a hot meal. While this only occurs once a month, they still serve about 150-200 people each month. They also provide “to go” meals and they deliver some meals to people who have disabilities or don’t have transportation available. Vincent’s Vittles also provides a social atmosphere for people, so that they can meet other people in the community, or just visit with their friends.

            Volunteering for Vincent’s Vittles was a fun, but eye-opening experience. I was told that many of the people who come to the meals also go to other soup kitchens around town. I think it’s great that some low-income people are taking the opportunity to receive as many free meals as possible by rotating to the different soup kitchens. I think this has also helped with the social aspect, because many of these people knew each other. I think Vincent’s Vittles is unique because it isn’t just low-income people that go there; the regular church members do also. I have volunteered at several other soup kitchens, and I always feel a great sense of pride to be providing people in need with hot meals and a friendly smile.  

        Stephanie Winzenburger