This is the first in Tonne Winery’s “In the Cellar” series, in which Tonne will highlight people and organizations in and around Muncie and Delaware County that are doing good works for the corresponding communities. Tonne Winery had the privilege to partner with and host several events for the Soup Kitchen in 2023, including its recent board of directors Christmas party.
Jane Wiechel, a former Columbus, Ohio, resident remembered how she came to be involved with the Soup Kitchen of Muncie nearly five years ago. When she moved to Muncie, one of the first things on her to-do list at her new house was to get her carpets cleaned. In the process, the person who she found to do it recommended Wiechel get involved at the Soup Kitchen. Now, Wiechel is serving in her second term as board president.
Wiechel said she is proud to work with the Soup Kitchen. As a former educator, Wiechel finds that people are very grateful for the services the Soup Kitchen offers, not just the hot meal and sack lunches but the outreach that extends beyond their doors. She thought back to one of those specific moments, cementing her commitment to the Soup Kitchen.
“A young woman showed up with a baby that was less than a month old. She got dropped off here, was homeless, had no food for the baby and, somehow, she ended up at our doorstep,” Wiechel said. “She thought she was going to give pop to the baby to drink. We were able to get formula, get her connected to the YWCA and get her in a safe place.”
In 2005, Loretta Parsons started volunteering for the Soup Kitchen, and in 2009 she was asked by the board to be a part-time cook. Two years later, she was named Executive Director, a position Parsons still holds.
A former purchasing manager for Ball Corporation for more than 30 years, Parsons said the Soup Kitchen is where she belongs.
“I love this job; it’s truly the best job I have ever had,” Parsons said. “It is like a ministry to me. I can’t think of anything more important than making sure people have enough to eat every day.”
Parsons believes by eliminating the obstacle of hunger, guests are able to focus their energy into other endeavors like part time jobs, personal and family care, and overall well-being.
“Nobody is going to get anything else done if they have to look for food all day, but if they know they can come to the Soup Kitchen and eat every day, then they can plan ahead,” Parsons said. “That might help them move on or move forward and make things better for themselves.”
As Parsons recalled stories from countless guests she has been in contact with over the years, her passion and love shone through in her voice.
“You don’t know the seeds we plant, [and] we really don’t, but this place gives people hope,” Parsons said. “We’re fighting hunger and feeding hope.”
Board President Elect SteVen Knipp started as a Wednesday volunteer nearly a decade ago. This will be his seventh year on the board, still in his initial board position.
“I believe everybody can rise above their situations or circumstances in life, and I believe that the Soup Kitchen gives that opportunity,” Knipp said.
Another point of pride for Knipp is the inclusivity the Soup Kitchen provides; he said he truly appreciates the safe space the Kitchen can be for all people, pressing no judgment or ideology upon them.
“The Soup Kitchen says, ‘No, we’re here for everyone, no questions asked, we have a hot meal for you,’” Knipp said.
For nearly 30 years, the Soup Kitchen of Muncie has been providing meals to those in need in Muncie and Delaware County. Located at 920 East Charles Street in Muncie, Indiana, the Soup Kitchen serves all comers a hot meal and a sack lunch, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. Monday through Friday more than 45 volunteers help procure, prepare, deliver, serve and support those in the community who otherwise may not have a proper meal. Meals are available from 9:30-11 a.m. each of those days, but volunteer opportunities are available throughout each day.
To get involved, you can visit the Soup Kitchen’s website at www.soupkitchenofmuncie.org. Volunteer opportunities are available in a variety of ways, including heating and packaging meals, afternoon clean up, daily preparation of meals, delivery and food pickup. Volunteers may be as young as 13, if accompanied by an adult.
In addition to helping by donating time, the Soup Kitchen accepts food and monetary donations. The Soup Kitchen partners with Second Harvest Food Bank and secures food through other local means. Through these partnerships, financial donations to the Soup Kitchen are stretched further.