Soup kitchen

Uncommon card · No. 197048

A soup kitchen, food kitchen, or meal center is a place where food is offered to homeless or needy people, usually at no cost, or token payment. Frequently located in lower-income neighborhoods, soup kitchens are usually staffed by volunteer organizations, such as church or community groups. Soup kitchens sometimes obtain food from a food bank for free, or at a low price, because they are considered a charity. The first soup kitchens opened in the 18th century. By the late 19th century, they could be found in many American and European cities. They became more widespread in the 20th century, especially during the Great Depression. As economic conditions improved after World War II, soup kitchens became less common. In the 21st century, the number of soup kitchens has increased in both the United States and Europe, following lasting global increases in the price of food which began in late 2006. Demand grew as the Great Recession and the economic and inflation crisis of the 2020s...

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