Special Recognition - Angel Award!
In November 2021, our Greenwood Soup Kitchen received the prestigious “ANGEL AWARD”, from SC Secretary of State, Mark Hammond, presented each year to only 10 charities who "exemplify charitable giving in South Carolina". One of the criteria used in selection of Angel Awards is the efficient use of donated gifts, determined by calculating the ratio of program specific expenses to total expenses. Our Soup Kitchen, due mainly to our 100% use of volunteers, and not using paid fundraisers to solicit gifts, had the highest ratio of all award recipients this year at 99%. Quite an accomplishment!
The Greenwood Soup Kitchen Ministry is an ALL VOLUNTEER AGENCY. Approximately 120 people give freely of their time to feed Greenwood’s hungry!
Many of the ingredients and supplies for our hot meals are bought locally or contributed by local businesses and individuals. When combined with our other operating costs, including insurance, repairs and rent, the overall cash cost of providing our services for one year is approximately $80,000. The cash cost of each hot meal served averages about $2.95. This money comes through the generosity of area churches, foundations, civic organizations, clubs, businesses, individuals and, importantly, our "Empty Bowls" annual fundraiser. Many of these same groups and individuals also collect food items for our use. See About Our Organization for some of our faithful supporters.
The Soup Kitchen Ministry is entirely dependent on your donations of food and money for its existence. We do not receive funds from any other source, except for one small grant from the federally sponsored Emergency Food Program.
We are a federally registered 501(c)(3) Corporation, therefore, all gifts to the Greenwood Soup Kitchen are tax-deductible.
About Our Organization
On average, we serve about 75 guests per day, but it is not unusual for us to serve 95 or more. We serve meals six days per week, Monday through Saturday. Immanuel Lutheran Church serves Sunday meals. Our meals are served from Monday to Saturday between 11:00 AM and 12:00 Noon.
Become a Volunteer
We are always looking for new volunteers who are interested in helping out on a monthly basis. If you are interested in becoming one of our dedicated volunteers and helping to serve your community, please contact us to learn more.
Empty Bowls
There are other ways to help out other than volunteering. See below for more information on our Empty Bowls Fundraiser and how you can get involved!