Every now and then things happen and there becomes a need for a temporary soup kitchen. This could result from a natural disaster or any type of emergency, as well as a community outreach program. A soup kitchen consists of many pieces that create the functioning whole – storage, kitchen and cooking prep area, and dining area. This is in addition for the many volunteers that make all of this even possible. Therefore, renting a tent and setting up a temporary soup kitchen requires thorough planning for effective and efficient execution.
What they do and who they serve
Soup kitchens work to prepare meals for those in need. Most generally these are hot meals prepared fresh. Despite their name, the meal may or may not include soup. The point is to provide a nourishing meal to individuals who, for one reason or another, may not otherwise have one.
In addition to serving a meal, many soup kitchens hand out bags of donated non-perishable food items, as well as personal hygiene and home care products. This provides individuals and families with the chance to cook at home when the soup kitchen is not an option.
Depending on location, soup kitchens can vary in size. However, you will generally find them located in areas where the need is greatest – providing easy access.
Renting a tent can give you the space you need
Location is so important for soup kitchens. Many people who need their services may not have the ability to travel great distances. This is especially true in cases of natural disaster or emergency situations.
Renting a tent is the most efficient way to set up the soup kitchen. These tents can be sized to accommodate the need (big or small) and can be set up in any vacant lot, open field, parking lot, etc. that is closest to the area. Tents have sides, can be secured – and can be supplied with electricity and running water to allow for all the cooking and sanitary requirements. Climate control can also ensure that the tent maintains a welcoming temperature for all that access it.
An important thing to note is that, when choosing a venue for your temporary soup kitchen, consider the fact that tent rentals offer the ability to go smaller or larger as needed – something you can’t get with a permanent structure. (You will be more interested in this fact as you begin to look at the layout of your venue).
Most needed items for a temporary soup kitchen
Most soup kitchens run off donated goods. And, during times of need, these donations can multiply. While they receive many useful items (and some not so useful ones), some of the most needed items are:
- Canned fruits – pineapple, peaches, mixed fruit
- Canned vegetables – peas, carrots, green beans
- Canned beans – kidney, black, pinto, northern/white
- Canned meats and soups
- Condiments and salad dressings – oil and vinegar, mayonnaise, Italian, ketchup, bbq sauce
- Baking needs – flour, sugar, brown sugar, bread crumbs, spices
- Personal hygiene needs – for both men and women. Including shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
- Household products – paper towels, laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaners
- Clothing – all clothing items for men, women, and children. This includes shoes, socks, and undergarments.
- Baby needs – baby food, formula, diapers, wipes, etc.
These items are in addition to the items that are received from local grocery stores or food pantries for cooking the meals that are served. Combining these items is what requires ample amount of storage space.
In other words, when preparing your tent for your temporary soup kitchen, it is important to account for a large storage space.
Kitchen/Food prep
A soup kitchen is going to obviously need a kitchen! Because of the number of volunteers that come together to prepare the meals – and the amount of food you need to make — you are going to want to make sure it is a bit roomy.
To make the kitchen area successfully functional, you are going to want to have the following sub-sections:
- Food prep area – This area needs to be spacious with lots of table space for prepping. This is where many of the volunteers will gather to prepare the meals, from start to finish. Too small of an area can lead to health hazards and increases the chance of cross-contamination.
- Storage area – Cooking for many people requires having many pans, pots, utensils, bowls, etc. However, when working beside many people trying to meet a deadline, you need to have organization. Everything needs to have a place which means you will need ample storage in your soup kitchen.
- Dishwashing area –Having a set area for dishwashing allows you to keep separation between dirty/used dishes and those that are not. This is crucial for sanitary reasons.
- Cooking area – This area will have all the major appliances needed to cook the meal. This is obviously a mandatory section of the kitchen. Make sure to place this section in a properly ventilated area.
- Service area – This area will be the front line, where volunteers will serve the food to the diners. It needs to be roomy and presentable.
Of course, you will only have a certain amount of space available to use as the kitchen. Therefore, it is important to consider all the necessary sections when determining your layout.
Dining area
What do most people come to a soup kitchen to do? To eat, of course! The dining area will need to be added to your layout. By the time you get to this point, you have likely done research and have a rough idea of how many patrons your temporary soup kitchen will receive. You will want to have ample space for dining – to include the unexpected.
As for seating, the choice is yours. Just be sure to consider that they will need to be handicap accessible and meet any safety requirements of your city/state location.
Food is a basic need. You never know when you may find yourself in a situation to do something to help others by building a temporary soup kitchen. Hopefully now you will be prepared to meet the need as soon as it happens!