Gabriella Iannetta

Furloughed Workers Welcome at New Haven Soup Kitchen

Just because federal workers might miss a paycheck doesn’t mean they have to skip a meal.

The Community Soup Kitchen in New Haven is stepping up to help during this partial government shutdown.

“A soup kitchen is open to anyone, anytime. We welcome anyone who comes in,” said David O’Sullivan, the Community Soup Kitchen’s executive director.

O’Sullivan says volunteers are ready to serve a hot meal to those in need, including potentially furloughed federal workers.

He felt it was time to act with many workers facing not being paid, as the partial government shutdown drags on.

“Right now there could be people in crisis and we want to let them know you’re welcome here,” said O’Sullivan.

Now those affected are encouraged to grab a seat during the meal service which takes place at Christ Church Episcopal at 84 Broadway in New Haven.

“St. Paul tells us in scripture that the laborer deserves to be paid. And we hope that the government will reopen and workers who are working will be paid,” said Rev. Stephen Holton, Christ Church Episcopal.

But until that happens people can stop by for lunch Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

There’s also breakfast on Saturday from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m.

The Community Soup Kitchen in New Haven is encouraging furloughed federal workers in need to stop by for a meal.

On their way out, people can take extra supplies such as bread and vegetables.

“Everyone deserves a meal and this is a place where you can receive it. Come and come and be fed. Come and be fed together,” said Holton.

The soup kitchen does not directly rely on federal food donations or money, but could be affected by the shutdown in other ways, including if assistance programs are impacted and more people start coming here looking for meals.

Contact Us