Opening letter
Fred & Martie’s Soup Kitchen 2023/2024 Annual Report
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community Members,
Reflecting on another year at Fred & Martie’s Soup Kitchen, we are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity and resilience of our community. Our mission remains unchanged since we started over 43 years ago: to bring hope, compassion, and nourishment to those who need it most in Claremont and beyond. This past year, we faced growing demand, rising food costs, and operational challenges, but with the unwavering support of donors, volunteers, and partners, we were able to meet these challenges head-on.
Thanks to you, we not only sustained daily meal distributions but also expanded our services, including back-to-school assistance, our Mahala Shop recycling initiative, and community health drives. Each project, from “Chalk It Up Against Bullying” to our Child Learning Centre, has strengthened our mission to uplift our community beyond just providing meals.
The accomplishments highlighted in this report would not have been possible without your support. Every donation, volunteer hour, and act of kindness has helped turn our vision of a connected, thriving community into a daily reality. As we look forward, we are inspired to continue this journey of nourishment, support, and hope, reaching more people and making a lasting difference in our community.
Thank you for standing with us. With your ongoing support, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Team at Fred & Martie’s Soup Kitchen
Inspiring Hope, One Meal at a Time
Food Security
At Fred & Martie’s Soup Kitchen, food security is our mission. By providing daily meals, we address hunger and nurture hope, stability, and resilience in our community.
Daily Feeding
At Fred & Martie’s Soup Kitchen, our daily feeding program stands as a lifeline for the vulnerable in our community. Every day, we serve nourishing meals to 525 children and 250 elderly and adults who rely on us for sustenance and support. For many of these children, this meal is essential to their growth, learning, and well-being, while for our elderly community members, it provides both nutritional value and a sense of dignity and belonging.
Through these daily meals, we strive not only to meet basic needs but also to uplift spirits, foster hope, and build a strong foundation for a healthier, more resilient community. This impact extends beyond hunger relief—it’s about fostering hope, connection, and care for our neighbors, showing that together, we can make a real difference..
Hunger in South Africa: A Crisis Affecting Children and Adults Alike
Nearly 20% of South African households experience hunger regularly, impacting about 30% of children under five and 20% of adults
Weekly Food Parcels: Nourishing Our Vulnerable Families and Elderly
At Fred and Martie’s Soup Kitchen, we’re dedicated to supporting our community’s most vulnerable. Each week, we distribute 500 essential food parcels to families and elderly individuals in need, totaling over 26,000 parcels annually. These food parcels contain staple ingredients and nutritious items to help bridge the gap for those facing food insecurity. For many of our recipients, these weekly parcels are a lifeline, providing not just sustenance but a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. Together, we bring hope, care, and consistency to those who need it most.