St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen

The St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen is a cooperative effort of many individuals and various groups who work together trying to respond to the unmet need of poverty and hunger in the Wyoming Valley. Every day of the year (including holidays), a well-balanced meal is served to anyone who comes to the Kitchen. This meal is served in a dignified, hospitable manner. During the course of a month, approximately 100 people contribute voluntary service towards the management and daily mission of the kitchen. Many of the guests, who rely upon the kitchen for their daily nourishment, are part of the volunteer staff. The program is supported financially by donations received from individuals, civic groups, church groups, the business community, and anonymous donors who care about the less fortunate. Meals are prepared with foods, which have been either purchased with financial contributions or donated by local restraints, bakeries and supermarkets. The St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen is the only mass-feeding program in Luzerne County and it serves anyone in need of a meal without asking personal questions or setting any restrictions on the guests who will share in this meal. Presently, approximately 350 guests are served daily and no person has ever been denied the nourishment offered by the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen. The Kitchen is opened daily between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and also serves an evening meal on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Food Bank

Besides the daily meal provided at the Kitchen, there is a Food Bank where people can take home food needed in an emergency. This program is open at the Kitchen Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and Monday 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Clients must fill out an application form stating a permanent address and income and Social Security number. They receive enough food for a family, consisting of 6 meals, plus staples.

Clothing Room

There is also a clothing room at the kitchen that is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. This program receives used clothing, which is separated and folded. Clients may come and take whatever is needed without any charge or limit.

Furniture

Good, used furniture is collected and delivered to those in need.

Services available through the following office(s):

St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen/Wilkes-Barre