40 years of sharing, caring

TIFFIN — Tiffin's Sharing Kitchen, located at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 46 Madison St., is celebrating its 40th year serving meals and fellowship to area residents. Volunteer Shirley Smith has been part of the kitchen's ministry since its inception, serving on the original planning committee and continuing to give her time to the community. Smith said when the Sharing Kitchen began, planners "said we would do this until there wasn't any need." Because the number of people taking part in the food and fellowship remains significant, the ministry continues, she said. The Sharing Kitchen began as a St. Paul's UMC outreach project, Smith said, but the church quickly realized "the project was bigger than our church could manage." Serving meals at least twice a week was a substantial commitment, she said, and the ministry soon transitioned into what is now the Ecumenical Sharing Kitchen. For 40 years, the all-volunteer staff has served community members in need of a meal, those seeking shelter and guests looking for fellowship and company. Smith said about 70 to 75 people are served at each event, and no proof of income is required to participate. Smith reflected on the pandemic's effect on the kitchen's operations. "We didn't stop," she said. "We changed things around a little." During the shutdown, meals were served out of the church's side door, and more prepackaged food was given away as the pandemic continued. Following the shutdown, Smith said the kitchen has continued to give away canned foods, fruits and vegetables, sliced meat and cheese, and milk and eggs on the days it is open. A clothes closet, stocked with donated clothing, is also open to visitors, Smith said. Unlike many 501(c)(3) organizations, Smith said, the Sharing Kitchen has been blessed financially and has "never wanted for money." Support from the church, private donations, gifts from foundations and grants have kept funding for the ministry steady, she said. Looking ahead, Smith said the Sharing Kitchen is a "Christian mission" that truly helps others, and she is prepared to continue her work "as long as the good Lord is willing." Joyce Randell, administrative assistant at St. Paul's UMC, said the volunteer team is a blend of 15 regular individuals "who faithfully volunteer Monday and Thursday every week, 52 weeks of the year," along with a number of Sharing Kitchen Partners. Those partners, she said, are churches or companies that volunteer on a scheduled monthly basis throughout the year, each committing to coverage of up to 12 weeks. "We have a mailing list of 17 churches and/or companies that are our partners who we are grateful for, appreciate and value," Randell said.