Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen, Inc. is a non-profit, non-affiliated group of volunteers that have provided hope and compassion to our community since opening in September 2007. We strive to be of assistance to others and serve with a spirit of compassion, respect, and dignity.
The Soup Kitchen’s mission is to enhance the health and quality of life of the unfortunate and elderly in our community by providing regular hot, hearty, nutritious, well-balanced meals five days a week at no cost. Over 261,000 meals have been served to the working poor, unemployed, handicapped, limited fixed-income seniors, families with children, and individuals in need during the past 17 years.
Meals are planned and prepared with nutrition in mind and provided in take-out containers for dine-in or take-out, Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm. to 6:00 p.m. For those who cannot get to Tunkhannock, volunteers from several churches in outlying communities, pick up meals from the Soup Kitchen and deliver them to individuals and families in need. Call and leave a message if you need this service.
Our History
When Janice and Ed Shaffer opened the doors of Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen in Tunkhannock in September 2007, they were convinced of their purpose to provide a hot, nutritious meal for all in need.
“From the time we returned to Tunkhannock, we began to hear from our friends and family about the need for a ministry like Seven Loaves, and some of the stories came from places you wouldn’t expect along with teachers and others who work with children”, according to Janice. “We heard that there were young children who came to school and just laid their heads down on their desks too weak to participate in normal morning activities. Whatever the reasons, we resolved to offer the public a hot evening meal.” Janice, joined now by a few others, approached the Tunkhannock Ministerium with their concerns and their ideas. Interest grew and so did local people willing to volunteer. Local food stores and restaurants offered food from their surplus and local people gave donations from their abundance. Since that September opening night, more than 261,000 meals have been served.
After 8 years serving out of 1,000 square foot leased building, Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen moved into its own 4,000 square foot building located at 51 Warren Street, Tunkhannock on September 5, 2015.
Our Volunteers
Dedicated volunteers are the lifeblood of the Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen. Since the beginning, 3,400 community-minded individuals have given more than 139,150 hours of their precious time and energy to serve our guests. Some volunteers have been serving at the Soup Kitchen since the doors opened in 2007. Several of the local churches, families, businesses and civic organizations bring groups of volunteers one day a month. Volunteers also pick up meals and deliver them to those who cannot get to the Soup Kitchen.
An average of eight volunteers are needed each day, Monday through Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. They will assist in preparing, serving, and cleaning up after daily meals. Aprons and gloves are provided for our volunteers. Volunteers are asked to wear long pants and no open-toed footwear for safety reasons. Children between 12 and 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Contact Us
Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen
51 Warren St.
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
Telephone: (570) 996-5005
M-F between 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
501(c)(3) and 990 Federal Return, governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are available to the public:
Email: sevenloavessk@gmail.com