BRIEF HISTORY
Initiated on September 14, 2016, the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen set out with the mission to alleviate hunger and provide critical community services. The endeavor was the heartfelt creation of Sandra Nijjar, an El Salvadorian immigrant, who felt compelled to act after experiencing an abrupt job loss. She envisioned a sanctuary where marginalized individuals could access nutritious meals and vital services, all in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Remarkably, the soup kitchen was up and running within just a quarter of a year from its initial planning stages. Since day one, we've been graciously accommodated by Our Saviour Lutheran Church. Sandra’s sense of civic responsibility, ingrained by her community-focused grandparents, serves as a constant motivator in her enduring dedication to helping others.
For several years, the facility flourished, becoming an integral part of the East Boston community. As the demand for our services grew, so did our community footprint and reputation. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led us to reevaluate and modify our approach. Faced with increasing needs exacerbated by the pandemic and economic instability, we transitioned from a traditional soup kitchen to a food pantry model. This adaptation enabled us to prepare food packages that cater not just to the homeless, but also to families, teens, seniors, those with disabilities, and at-risk youth experiencing food insecurity.
Today, we aid over 600 people every week, courtesy of the generous support from our extensive network of community partners. Collaborations with organizations such as Channel Fish, YMCA, Eastie Farm, Loving Spoonful, Gaining Ground, Tesoro Market, Food for Free, and Shaw’s, among others, allow us to assemble and distribute food bags each Monday. Recognizing that not everyone has the means to cook, we've teamed up with local eateries and organizations to offer ready-to-eat hot meals every Tuesday afternoon. These meals not only nourish the homeless but also serve as an entry point to additional resources available at our center.
Our reach has broadened to include the distribution of warm clothing, personal hygiene items, hot shower vouchers and vital services like housing aid and addiction recovery programs. Despite facing an increased demand in the last year, due to rising food costs and economic pressures, our commitment remains steadfast. Therefore, we aspire to expand our service days. Meanwhile, our unwavering focus on delivering essential sustenance and comprehensive community support remains unaltered.
We recognize that a meal, though important, is only part of the solution. It's the supplementary support, provided without prejudice or bias, that often seeds hope. Looking forward, we are fueled by a strong sense of mission, inspired constantly by the resilience of our community and the collaborative initiatives that propel us onward.
WHAT WE AIM TO SOLVE
We strive to create a welcoming, dignified space for all members of our community. We acknowledge that minorities and people of color are disproportionately affected by the lack of quality healthcare, education, housing, and food access, and the COVID-19 pandemic. We actively work towards closing that gap, using food as a pretext for other essential work: connecting neighbors in need with adequate resources to make steps towards recovery, security, and well-being.