The aroma of hot broth and freshly prepared food now greets neighbors every Tuesday at The Salvation Army soup kitchen, where Capt. Chase Green has realized a long-held goal of establishing a regular meal program on the island.

What began four weeks ago with just 10 patrons quickly climbed to 15 in its second week. By week three, on Oct. 20, attendance reached an estimated 30 people, reflecting both the community’s need and a growing desire for fellowship.

The weekly meal program was made possible with $13,750 in grant funding and contributions through First Bank. The financial support allowed the organization to renovate its kitchen, install new appliances, countertops and kitchen equipment, and bring the facility up to code.

Grant funds will also cover future flooring installation as well as ongoing operating costs to prepare and serve the weekly meals.

While the soup kitchen is treated separately on paper from The Salvation Army’s established food pantry, the two efforts run side by side on Tuesdays to maximize outreach.

“We’re already there. We’re already serving food bank food,” Green said. “We might as well serve a meal as well.”

For many who walk through the doors, the gathering offers more than just sustenance. Green noted that some patrons stop in simply to visit and connect with neighbors, blurring the line between hunger relief and community connection.

“It took us a little while to get some contractors in the place. … There were a couple things in the kitchen that were holding us up from being able to serve food …  on a regular basis,” Green said. “Nothing’s really holding us back other than just manpower right now.”

While soup kitchen meals are currently served only on Tuesdays, the plan is to expand the service to additional days of the week as more volunteers step forward to cook and assist.

The soup kitchen launch comes as The Salvation Army prepares for its broader seasonal outreach to tackle food insecurity and community needs heading into winter. On the day before Thanksgiving, a volunteer crew will serve a special holiday lunch for residents at the senior apartments, stepping in to continue a tradition previously hosted by the now-closed Zak’s Cafe.

The organization will also host its annual Christmas kickoff fundraising dinner on Dec. 5 at the Nolan Center, featuring an auction and holiday appeal seeking 10 donors willing to contribute $1,000 each toward a $10,000 seasonal goal.

In addition, the Angel Tree program will return with gift tags and an online registry to support families during the holidays, with donation trees placed at First Bank, the public library and the community recreation center.