Queensburgh feeding scheme delivers royal service to those in need

SINCE the inception of Queen’s Soup Kitchen in 2019, the number of people who frequent the drive for a fresh, hot meal has doubled from 2 000 to 4 000, and with the colder months slowly creeping in, the numbers are sure to escalate.

Founder of the feeding scheme Elsie Schoeman said the only donations she receives are from SA Harvest which sponsors fresh produce weekly and soup mixes and other goods on an ad-hoc basis when stock is available. Schoeman purchases a fruit to accompany the meal or a snack for people to take away.

Also read: Get cosy with a bowl of hearty lentil and lamb soup

“Recently, we have seen people coming twice a week from neighbouring communities, such as Chatsworth and The Bluff. They actually walk from these areas, which is quite a distance, so you can imagine the need for that meal. We are also seeing more families and the elderly come in, as well,” she said.

Schoeman and her team of volunteers have gotten to know each one personally over the years, and apart from providing a meal on Wednesdays and Sundays from Queensburgh Rugby Club, they also hand out food hampers to families in need when there are extra veggies and goods.

The challenge is that there are not enough donations to feed everyone, and sometimes, when donations don’t come in, Schoeman purchases groceries from her own pocket to operate the kitchen.

“I can’t bear to turn away the people who come for a meal. I don’t have the heart to do that. Some arrive as early as 05:00 – although lunch is only served at midday – because they’re afraid that they may not get a meal,” she added.

“Often there is no other means for these families to get food for the other days of the week, so I try my best to make up food hampers, as well,” she added.

The joy it brings her knowing that she has helped people and families have a fresh, wholesome meal twice weekly is what keeps Schoeman and her team going.

“People have donated cash in the past, but that happens rarely. Without SA Harvest, we would not be able to feed this community twice a week. We also don’t have access to running water at the premises, but the temple across the road from us gives us water every week which we are grateful for,” she added.

If you are able to assist, contact Elsie Schoeman on 060 751 9699 or email her at queenssoupkitchen@gmail.com.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.