It was a typical February morning, cold, wet, and windy, when I first stepped through the doors of Burton Soup Kitchen on Station Street.
Inside, however, was a very different atmosphere: warm, welcoming, and buzzing with purpose. Volunteers were busy preparing hot meals for some of Burton’s most vulnerable residents, creating not just food, but a vital sense of community.
Now, as we move into mid-August, there have been some important updates from Gary Steen, volunteer and director of Burton Soup Kitchen CIC, reflecting both increased demand and encouraging developments at the site.
Since my winter visit, the Soup Kitchen has seen a noticeable rise in attendance. Gary reports that they now serve an average of 30 clients per session, a clear sign of the continuing need for their work in the town. “The demand is consistent, and in many ways growing,” he said. “But so too is the support we receive.”
That support has translated into real improvements. Thanks to a generous donation from the Toyota Charitable Trust, the dining area has undergone a major revamp. The old carpet has been replaced with hygienic vinyl flooring, and new seating and storage cupboards have been installed, creating a cleaner, more functional space for both guests and volunteers.
The spirit of the place remains as vibrant as ever. During my February visit, I met some of the long-standing volunteers whose dedication brings the kitchen to life. Roy, 75, gives back after receiving local help in the past. Colin, 84, finds a sense of purpose after personal loss. Chris returned to Burton during the pandemic and now spends her retirement volunteering, while Rachel leads the team in the kitchen with warmth and expertise.
Whether it was the cheerful bustle of meal prep, where I even managed to earn praise for my cheese grating skills, or the quiet dignity of serving meals to clients, the Soup Kitchen’s focus is always the same: to offer not just nourishment, but dignity, conversation, and a moment of respite.
Burton Soup Kitchen currently operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, offering sit-down meals in a safe, welcoming environment. But their support extends beyond food. Donations of clothes and toiletries are also distributed to those in need, providing an essential lifeline.
Gary continues to express deep appreciation for the generosity of the local community.
Food donations continue to come in, so a big thanks to all our supporters in the local area.
The Burton Soup Kitchen remains a shining example of community spirit in action. It is a place where compassion meets practical help, and where every meal served comes with a side of hope.
If you’d like to support their work, you can visit www.burtonsoupkitchen.co.uk or find them on Facebook. Donations can also be dropped off at 22 Rangemore Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 2ED. Alternatively, email the team at bsksoupinfo@gmail.com to get involved.
