For 20 years, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church played a vital role in feeding the hungry in the Belfast area, providing both volunteers and financial support. In 2009, as St. Francis joined a cluster of churches under St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, it became financially unsustainable for the church to continue operating the soup kitchen.

 

In response, a dedicated group of community members took action, forming the Belfast Soup Kitchen as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2010.

 

Driven by the belief that no one in their community should go hungry, the organization began serving meals from the basement of the “Red & White” building. As demand grew, it became clear that a larger, permanent space was needed. After three years of searching for a suitable location, the Board of Directors determined that building a new facility was the best long-term solution.

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Construction on the new Belfast Soup Kitchen at 31 Belmont Ave began in 2019, and despite delays caused by the pandemic, the doors officially opened in June 2020. Over the years, a steadfast commitment to service has fueled the organization’s growth, expanding its impact and reach.

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Today, the Belfast Soup Kitchen is the only full-time soup kitchen and food pantry in Waldo County, operating five days a week, 52 weeks a year, to serve those in need throughout the community.