Join The Gist of Freedom as we welcome Miss Penny Beckham, the volunteer director of The Plate of Love Soup Kitchen located at State Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Buffalo. 

Beckham recalled many times seeing one of the victims of the massacre, Deacon Hayward Patterson take soup kitchen patrons aside while they waited for their food and give them needed encouragement.

"If you were down, he’d always say something to encourage you or lift your spirits," she said. "He was one of those people who’d build you up. Even if you didn’t think you did much, he’d make you feel like you did."

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Coordinator ...Missionary Laura Beckham Chefs: Jeffrey Peace & Terry Wideman

Soup Kitchen Hours of operation: Saturday, 10am-12noon Wednesday, 12noon

State Tabernacle, in the spirit of love, serves dozens in the community and those in need of a hot meal. The number of people served continues to grow and include not only individuals but entire families. It is set apart from many other soup kitchens in that we offer breakfast meal on Saturday when most other serve lunch.

State Tabernacle partners with WNY food bank and generous donors to bring this much needed service to a community with high unemployment, low income families and a growing homeless population.

We are expanding. Various individuals, ministries or auxiliary of the church assist in operation of the soup kitchen.

Volunteers are Welcome