KUCHING: Dozens of people had converged at the newly-opened soup kitchen at the Community Social Support Centre (CSSC) in Wisma Ho Ho Lim at Jalan Abell here, waiting for free lunch despite it being only 10.30am.
They were mostly in their 60s and 70s, some sitting alone without much interaction while others helped themselves to the free-flow of hot coffee available there.
As a woman came out from the kitchen with a book, the crowd started queuing up, getting ready with their MyKad (identity card) or other necessary documents for registration before they proceed to collect a free lunch from the soup kitchen.
“Many are very familiar with the process as they are regular patrons here,” said the woman, who is a volunteer from the Society for Kuching Urban Poor (SKUP).
The book, she said, was to record their details, including full name, identity card number as well as their contact as their database.
To manage the crowd and ensure a smooth process, the volunteer requested everyone to queue in an orderly manner failing which they would not start the process of distributing the free hot meals.
“Yes, we know that everyone wants the food but it is important for them to know and follow the rules, especially since most of them are elderly. This is to ensure their safety as well,” she added.
The soup kitchen managed by SKUP began operating on Jan 3, feeding the homeless, poor families as well as the less fortunate communities in the city.
It serves hard-boiled egg and toast with kaya for breakfast from 7.30am to 10am while free lunch which usually consists of rice, a vegetable and a meat, is available from 11am to 2pm daily except Sunday.
The meal recipients can opt for take-away or have their meals at the centre in a comfortable environment.
However, those who dine-in will need to clear the tables, return the food trays, glasses and other utensils before they leave.
“The food is good. Look, it is still hot,” said a man in his 70s.
“The place is new and clean. Everything is well-organised. I come here (to collect free hot meals) quite often,” he said, adding that he is a retiree.
“I prefer to take-away and eat at home later,” he said while carefully placing two packed meals into a plastic bag before riding off on his motorcycle parked by the roadside.
Although one person is only entitled to one meal each time, they can take-away for their family members as long as they can provide necessary documents such as MyKad or MyKid while foreigners can use their passport, work permit and other passes.
“We don’t judge based on what they wear or how they come here, whether they have a car or not. We don’t question much.
“As long as they have the courage to walk in and ask for food, we will give them,” said Kapitan Bernadette Geikie, who is the person in charge of the soup kitchen.
Being part of SKUP for over a decade, distributing food aid for the urban poor, the community leader believes that everyone has difficult times and that a hot meal would definitely make them feel better.
She felt that at the very least, those needing help can have their tummies filled or feed their families with hot free meals available at the soup kitchen while going through the tough times.
Currently, the soup kitchen is offering 40 breakfast sets and 80 lunch meals daily and the number is expected to increase.
“When we first started, we provided about 30 meals and it has increased to 80 meals for lunch per day.
We are aware that there will be more people coming for food, especially with the rising cost of living.
“Thus, we will eventually have to look into how to ensure the free meals (from the soup kitchen) reach the targeted groups or those who really need help as we have limited resources as well,” she said.
As a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Bernadette explained they are operating and relying on donations from the public and well-wishers, without any annual grant from the government.
Apart from that, SKUP is also distributing 188 packed meals to the urban poor at four locations on wheels, namely, Kampung Kudei, Song Kheng Hai, Poh Kwong Park and Sungai Apong, daily.
It is estimated that the NGO is spending about RM30,000 per month, providing food aid and free meals for the less fortunate communities in the society.
Those who wish to donate and support the NGO can donate to their Hong Leong Bank account 28800011507 or visit their soup kitchen at Wisma Ho Ho Lim.
