Grant Spotlight: St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen

A historic soup kitchen has received $40,000 as part of a multi-year award from the Federal Association, to support its mission to care for the hungry and homeless in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. 

St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen was started by Franciscan Friars after the Civil War and has operated continuously since 1870, making it the oldest continuously operating soup kitchen in the country. Today, St. Mary’s provides 300 meals a day, six days a week, as well as shelter and a safe space for four hours a day.

St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen is a principal hospitaller work of the Memphis Region. In 2013, the Order established an advisory board to address needs and concerns of the soup kitchen. Knights and Dames serve as regular volunteers, serving meals and providing clothes from the kitchen’s clothing closet. The Order also assists with fundraising for general operation, as well as specific repairs and projects. 

To view the St. Mary's Soup Kitchen photo gallery, please click here. Click on the "Open Gallery" button. You will be prompted for the password, which is: st marys