Story and photo by Lisa Rowell
Feeding the Hungry for Fifteen Years
After talking with Monica Patiño for all of five minutes, one is left with the heart-warming impression that if Gina Gaylor could find a way to feed every hungry person, she’d do just that.
Monica is the spokesperson for the Living Bread Soup Kitchen, which is located at 321 South Maple Street in Somerset (behind the library). Founded by Gina and her husband Bill, Monica said LSBK has provided thousands of meals over the course of 15 years. It’s all been thanks to volunteers and donations.
Monica said what started as a free spaghetti dinner back in 2009, quickly turned into the Living Bread Soup Kitchen we know today. “Gina saw a need and kept believing God would provide and every week He did.”
Although the free meals given by the organization are take-out only at the present time, Monica said they hope to one day have a facility that can offer a sit-down environment that offers a more family-type atmosphere.
Lofty goals for the future of LSBK include access to washers and dryers, and showers — especially for the homeless — and free meals on a daily basis. “She thinks in the long term,” Monica said of Gina. The dream is to have a facility where they can offer anything of need from haircuts to clothing, all in a safe place with no judgment.
The free meals are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week starting at 3:00 p.m. at the South Maple Street location, and continue until the food runs out. Monica said between 300-400 meals are given out each day. From January 1 to September 4 of this year alone, the organization has given out 21,120 meals to community members.
LBSK also provides a food box distribution on the third Tuesday of each month. They currently assemble and give away about 150 food boxes each month.
“Gina and Bill are very caring about the community,” Monica said, adding that they don’t want to see anyone go hungry.
The organization is very involved in sharing resources, and working in collaboration with other community organizations to help meet needs.
Monica said national resources help as well. Blessings of Hope (blessingsofhope.com) helps in getting excess food to those who need it most. They have community chapters throughout the U.S.
How you can help
Living Bread Soup Kitchen warmly accepts donations. Monetary donations can be made via paypal link at the LBSK website (See QR code on this page); mailed to LBSK, PO Box 382, Ferguson, KY 42533; or dropped off at the South Maple Street location. As they grow their fund for their own building, they are also seeking a walk-in freezer.
Monica offered encouragement to church groups and other organizations wanting to help make a difference by having a special collection. “If each congregant or member donated $1, imagine what a difference that could make.”
Monica said the types of items needed on a regular basis include dish washing soap, paper products, all types of pasta and sauces, instant rice and potatoes, large garbage bags, and more.
If your organization would like to host a food drive, you can have a box dropped off and your location and LBSK will pick it up when it’s full.
Volunteers are always welcomed for a variety of tasks
You can follow Living Bread Soup Kitchen on their Facebook page to see what’s needed and to learn about upcoming events. October events listed on their page include a Christmas vendor show , a motorcycle/Jeep ride at White Lily Community Park, and a fall festival at Cornerstone Baptist Church which includes a chili cookoff.
Compass Communications 