‘Everyone will be served’: Sojourner Truth Ministries provides over 30,000 meals per year to the hungry

Jun 14, 2023

Aug 26, 2023

“We love people through food,” shared Pastor C. Angelique Labadie-Cihanowyz.

Sojourner Truth Ministries, for which Labadie-Cihanowyz serves as executive director, has been serving meals to food insecure individuals for over five years Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m, including holidays, from their building at 501 High St., Williamsport.

In the past year Sojourner Truth Ministries has seen a 50% increase in meals served — increasing from around 20,000 meals to well over 30,000. Along with sit-and-eat meals, the ministry gives away brown paper bag lunches.

In March, some emergency benefits that were put into place during the pandemic were discontinued, including SNAP benefits, resulting in a rise in the number of people with food insecurity. The amount of people served through Sojourner has risen substantially, correlating to when the benefits were discontinued.

Sojourner Truth Ministries receives food through donations from local grocers and organizations. They also receive funding from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and United Way to buy food to serve as well as other needs.The backing of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has allowed Sojourner Truth Ministries to serve additional meals as their numbers rise and obtain a handicap accessible picnic table. Sojourner Truth Ministries is being featured in this coming addition of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s quarterly newsletter.

“There is an emotional aspect in doing what we do that is often not recognized. It’s difficult being with people and understanding their situation. I could sometimes never imagine what they are going through. The little boost from the Food Bank matters. It helps when we are depleted. We couldn’t do it without the backing of the Food Bank and paying for the food to serve people,” said Labadie-Cihanowyz.

“It’s a neat collaborative effort that not many people realize all that goes into it,” said Labadie-Cihanowyz.

Sojourner Truth Ministries aims to minimize their waste. To do this they use brown paper bag meals rather than styrofoam and send food that they no longer can use to a local therapy farm. There the food waste is either fed to the animals or converted into compost to grow crops. The farmer comes each Thursday to collect the waste from the building.

When serving food, nutrition and dignity is held at a high regard. Labadie-Cihanowyz shared that one time they were given grapes to serve and Dave Yost, head chef at Sojourner Truth Ministries, took the time to cut them into halves so each individual had the opportunity to enjoy them despite barriers.

“There is a colorful plate on the table nine out of 10 times,” said Labadie-Cihanowyz.

Sojourner Truth Ministries will receive donations of produce on occasion that has a bit more exotic options. Labadie-Cihanowyz shared that herself and Yost as well as other volunteers would have taste tests of produce to encourage people to eat nutritionally and try new foods.

Dave Yost has been cooking for Sojourner for around three years.

“I’ve been these people. I know how it is to not have. It’s my way to give back. I get to use the cooking experience I’ve been given to do so,” said Yost.

Inflation has made it difficult to afford sustainable protein choices for meals. At times they have had to use ground pork or turkey in the absence of ground beef, shared Labadie-Cihanowyz. When they are forced to get creative and improvise, that’s where Dave shines, she shared.

“The people are my favorite part of each day and seeing what I can create for them,” said Yost.

Soup is a meal Yost makes that often brings excitement and joy — his chili is especially loved. Soup is a substantial meal that can often bring warmth to many during the colder months allowing comfort to those who may not have homes. Labadie-Cihanowyz notes that a donation of soup containers would be beneficial so they can send people away with the warm soup.

Jewles Jett is a volunteer at Sojourner Truth Ministries and recently became the “house mom” for House of Hope, a six- to nine-month program that seeks to help women coming out of homelessness.

Jett began volunteering with the ministry after she underwent a gastric-bypass operation.

“God brought me through, so I knew I had to help out in the kitchen and help the community,” she said. “I advocate all over the place just to put the word out.”

Most people have learned about the ministry and the help they offer from word of mouth.

“It’s gratifying knowing that we make a difference. We can be the only smile, hug or person to listen that day. Food is a gateway to relationships with people,” she said. “I know at the end of the day, no matter how crazy, everyone will be served and they will leave with the respect and dignity and knowing that they have been seen and heard.”

“There is an emotional aspect in doing what we do that is often not recognized. It’s difficult being with people and understanding their situation. I could sometimes never imagine what they are going through. The little boost from the food bank matters. It helps when we are depleted. We couldn’t do it without the backing of the food bank and pay for the food to serve people,” said Labadie-Cihanowyz.

“I’m always learning from our patrons, what to do and not to do. For me, as a pastor, my favorite part is when someone says they see Jesus in you because I try to connect with people so they see they aren’t just a number or member. They are recognized and heard. You’re only aware of what you know. It is important to connect with the community. It’s really all about community. You don’t care no more or no less for any individual. If I ever saw the gospel message lived out, it’s here.”

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