soup kitchen
Definition
Noun: A charitable establishment that provides free, ready-to-eat meals, typically soup and bread, to people who are poor, homeless, or otherwise in need.
Usage
The term "soup kitchen" is used to describe a specific type of charitable service focused on alleviating hunger. It is a compound noun. It refers to the physical location or organization itself. - The community center operates a soup kitchen every weekday evening. - Volunteers are needed to help serve at the local soup kitchen.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The concept became particularly prominent during the Great Depression, when soup kitchens were essential for survival for many unemployed individuals and families.
- Modern Context: While still called "soup kitchens," many modern facilities provide a variety of nutritious meals beyond just soup.
Variants and Related Words
- Food kitchen: A less common, more general synonym.
- Food bank: A related but distinct concept; a food bank typically distributes packaged groceries to individuals or agencies, while a soup kitchen serves prepared meals.
- Shelter: Often, shelters for the homeless may include or operate a soup kitchen.
Synonyms
- Charity kitchen
- Meal center
Related Phrases
- To run a soup kitchen: To operate or manage such a facility.
- The church group decided to run a soup kitchen during the winter months.
- To volunteer at a soup kitchen: To offer one's time to help at such a place.
- For her birthday, she asked friends to volunteer at a soup kitchen with her.
Noun
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a place where food is dispensed to the needy
