The Church of the Advocate is celebrating its 25^th anniversary of serving those in need in North Philadelphia through its Soup Kitchen. Each day approximately 150 to 200 people come to the kitchen in the Parish House for a complete hot lunch and an opportunity for companionship and other assistance including clothing and connections to other supports. Participants in the Soup Kitchen include many elderly residents, persons with disabilities and persons living in single room occupancy rooms around the area. The Soup Kitchen also offers special holiday meals that provide cheer for persons who otherwise would not have a place to go. Since its founding, the Soup Kitchen has served more than one million meals.

The Soup Kitchen operates out of a newly renovated space which was completed in Fall 2006. The renovated kitchen is doubled in size, has new ceramic tile flooring, new refrigerators (including one for produce), freezer, ice maker, coffee maker, mixer, slicer, microwave, steam tray and sandwich table. It is now considered a catering kitchen where formal events could be catered and cooking classes could be held.

Most important, the soup kitchen patrons are going to receive a wider menu of balanced fresh foods in an environment where they will feel more valued. They will see the investment made in the kitchen as an investment made in caring about them and a dedication to this program.

The Soup Kitchen is organized by two volunteer co-coordinators Pauline Holland and James Rhinehart who have been volunteering their time and energy to the Soup Kitchen for more than a decade. Groups of volunteers and supporters come from other congregations, including St. Christopher's Gladwyne and St. David's Radnor.

Funders for the Soup Kitchen's operations and renovations include: the Arcadia Foundation, 1957 Charity Trust, Helen D. Groome Beatty Trust, Cassett Foundation, Esther Gowan Hood Trust, Independence Foundation, W.W. Smith Trust, St. Christopher's Church, St. Paul's Church, Chestnut Hill, Union Benevolent Association, Western Association of Ladies for the Relief of the Poor as well as individual donors.    

Father Isaac Miller, Rector of the Church of the Advocate, describes the work of the Soup Kitchen "as a place where we not only address the needs of those who come for physical nourishment but also reach out with a program that provides a welcoming place where people can find support and companionship on an ongoing basis."

The Soup Kitchen welcomes contributes of cash, foods, supplies, and volunteertime and energy. Without its supporters, the Soup Kitchen would not be able to succeed. Individuals and group volunteers can assist on an ongoing project or for special projects, such as, organizing and serving holiday meals.