Not just a soup kitchen

A local soup kitchen in Idaho Falls is lending a helping hand, to make sure those who are hungry get a warm meal.

It’s a full kitchen with plenty of volunteers; every person who comes through the door is welcomed, no questions asked.

Dan Sanow,co-director of the Soup Kitchen said, “We serve everyday people that are in the community. We serve transients that are passing through the community, elderly and children, as you can see. Anybody that has a need for a warm, hot meal, nourishing meal.”

Heavenly Packard said she enjoys a full stomach and warm meal with her family.

“Really liked the bread and the pear, and I really like the soup kitchen because they feed America and that’s really good.”

Heavenly’s mother said her family isn’t homeless but she needs some help.

“It really helps us out a lot. I’ve been coming here off and on for three years and so so that’s why it helps us.”

The soup kitchen feeds between 120 to 125 people on an average day.

People from all walks of life come to the soup kitchen.

“More people in our community should be more involved with helping out. I see people worried about, you know football this football that. You know, I’ve missed football games to be here, I’ve missed opening day to be here. I think our community needs just to be more involved,” said Brandon Wisdon, a cook.

Co-director Dan Sanow said, not only is it important for the people to get a warm meal but to make sure they are served a meal with dignity.

“Few opportunities people have to really help their fellow man with their hands and their hearts,” said Sanow.

The soup kitchen will be participating in the Alternate Giving Fair Nov. 14 and 15.

They will not be serving Thanksgiving dinner.

However, the Salvation Army does provide Thanksgiving dinner to the community at Elks Lodge.