Claremont Soup Kitchen Director Cindy Stevens honored for years of work

Jordan J. Phelan/Eagle Times Staff
On Monday, Nov. 1, the Claremont Soup Kitchen Board of Directors honored Director Cindy Stevens for her six years of service to the Soup Kitchen and community of Claremont and surrounding area.

Under Cindy’s direction, the Soup kitchen has developed new programs. Five years ago, the Soup Kitchen added weekends to their service. They now serve dinner seven days a week. Breakfast and lunch have been added to their service Monday through Friday.

Food shelves were maintained for a year in all school at no cost to the students until it was discontinued by the SAU. CSK does maintain a food shelf at the after school drop on operated through the Claremont learning Partnership.

The Summer Lunch Program has been in operation for several years. It was initially supported by the New Hampshire Food Bank and now operates independently. Of course, the Soup Kitchen continues to distribute food boxes monthly. Boxes are distributed any Sullivan County residents, not just locally.

All of these programs require financial support and that is another part of Cindy’s expertise. She is the grant writer and meets with both public and private gift sources. She also supports most of the donor events (stuff a truck, fill a cruiser and such) with her presence. The Soup Kitchen operates with about 75 volunteers, most of whom Cindy knows personally.

Building improvements under her direction, include, a shelter and shelves at the front of the building providing protection for clients picking up boxes, meals and fresh produce; the installation of solar power which will save considerably on the electric bills; redecorating and necessary dividers between the kitchen and the dining area in accordance with guidelines for protection. Cindy kept the Soup Kitchen operational during the pandemic.

Cindy has made the Soup Kitchen what it is today with the help of dedicated staff and volunteers and the generous donations from the community.