Augusta Recovers as Master’s Table Soup Kitchen Reopens
In the heart of Augusta, Georgia, the Master’s Table Soup Kitchen has been a vital lifeline for the community, providing meals lovingly served on their iconic yellow trays. Unfortunately, disaster struck when Hurricane Helene made its unwelcome visit, leading to a temporary shutdown and the sad disappearance of those familiar trays. However, as the city slowly heals, the kitchen is back in operation, although the need remains significant.
The Impact of Hurricane Helene
Manager, Ladonna Doleman, shared that the kitchen faced a tough challenge during the storm, saying, “The Master’s Table Soup Kitchen was shut down for four days because we had no lights, no electricity, also no water.” These four days proved to be a critical time as the kitchen typically serves between 200 to 250 trays a day, which amounts to over 9,000 trays every month!
When the power went out across much of Augusta, including the soup kitchen, Doleman and her crew knew there would be a greater demand once they reopened. “We saw tremendous numbers during that weekend,” she recalled. Instead of the usual trays, they had to switch to meal containers, serving as many as 500 containers a day. People could return for seconds or even thirds, highlighting the immense need for food in the community.
A Surge in Community Needs
The aftermath of the hurricane didn’t just affect the existing clientele, but also brought in new faces. “We’ve seen lots more new families, lots of new elderly that were in the neighborhood that didn’t have electricity or didn’t have water and whatnot,” Doleman explained. As the community was grappling with the damage caused by Helene, the Master’s Table became a beacon of hope.
After four long days, the kitchen was finally able to reopen its doors and welcome hungry patrons back to the familiar routine. “Our first day back on yellow trays we did 292 trays,” said Doleman, with a sense of pride. This moment marked not just a return to food service, but also a moment of relief for those experiencing despair.
Community Support and a Call for Volunteers
Despite the difficult times, the heart of Augusta shines through, with generous donations pouring in to support recovery. Recently, the South Carolina State Fair announced a generous donation of $200,000 to aid recovery efforts due to the storm’s devastation. Doleman emphasized the resilience present in the community, saying, “We’re just grateful and honored that we made it through the storm.”
However, with so many new faces coming through their doors, Doleman is encouraging the community to continue stepping up. “We’re asking for our volunteers to come back out and help us serve the community,” she urged. The kitchen is not just serving meals; they are busy “making boxes,” and “moving food around,” reflecting the ongoing need for assistance.
A Better and Stronger Augusta
The Master’s Table Soup Kitchen is determined to rebuild better and stronger. The yellow trays are back, symbolizing a step toward normalcy, but the community’s heart still needs support to completely recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. With every meal served, a caring hand reaches out to those in need, proving that no matter the storm, the loving spirit of Augusta will always prevail.
