Impact Church in Jeffreys Bay has launched a new soup kitchen initiative aimed at combating hunger in the Ocean View community.
The project, which began on June 17, will provide meals twice weekly to residents in need.
Pastor Alfred Jongile, senior pastor at Impact Church, said that with the Eastern Cape severely hit by poverty, the church wants to make a difference.
“We want to do our best to bring down poverty, even if it is only in the Kouga region,” said Jongile.
The soup kitchen operates every Tuesday and Thursday at 13:00 at the Ocean View Taxi Rank parking area opposite Usave Shop, located at the corner of Rolihlanhla Street and Dolphin Drive in Jeffreys Bay.
Jongile said that on its launch day, the initiative fed approximately 250 people, including both children and adults.
He further emphasised the dire situation facing many families in the area.
“This is a poor area. Some kids go to school without eating, and through the soup kitchen initiative, we want to give them something to eat after school. By doing this, we can help the parents, especially those who are not working,” said Jongile.
He has described the initiative as a pilot project, with plans to expand service days if additional funding becomes available.
As part of the church’s commitment to community service, Jongile said that they want to make an impact in the lives of the underprivileged.
He said that donations for the soup kitchen would be greatly appreciated.
Impact Church currently holds Sunday services at Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive High School, but has ambitious plans for growth.
Jongile said that they intend to build their own church facility next to King’s College in Dolphin Drive by 2026, which will enable them to expand their community services.
“We will be directly in the community we hope to serve,” said Jongile.
He further said that the new facility will house an Impact Youth Centre, furthering the church’s vision of reaching youth, young children, young adults, and families.
In addition to the soup kitchen, Jongile said that the church is organising a holiday programme during the months of June and July at Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive High School, where each participating child will receive a sandwich and juice.
For more information or to contribute to the initiative, contact Pastor Alfred Jongile at 071 182 3718.
