A local soup kitchen sees an increase

The Samaritan Center Soup Kitchen sets a record-breaking increase


By Leonardo Feldman


November 11th, 2010 3:50 p.m.








The Samaritan Center Soup Kitchen is serving 20-percent more meals. The center which is located in the basement of the St.Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Downtown Syracuse now serves roughly 350 meals.





The resources and referal manager at the center, Julie Gilbert says the economy continues to affect locals.

"people have to make choices between rent and food, medicine and food, unpaid medical bills and food. When you think about it food is the biggest wiggle room in your budget," Gilbert said.

Gilbert added that the federal government does not give them financial support, and the center continues to work solely on donations and volunteers.

The high demand for meals is expected to increase even more as winter gets closer.

The need of volunteers continues to increase as the number of needy people increases.

According to WSYR, one-fourth of the residents in the city of Syracuse are living in poverty.

Photo Courtesy by Charles Haynes/flickr.com