In June, Cathedral Kitchen will celebrate 50 years of service in Camden. We are incredibly grateful to our philanthropic partners and volunteers who provide a firm and steady foundation for our work attending to the needs of thousands of our neighbors. It is only with your help that we’ve been able to lend a hand to those in need, day after day, and especially during such an unpredictable year.
A growing number of people are struggling under the weight of rising costs and impending cuts to critical safety net programs. We cannot forget the devastating disruptions to SNAP benefits due to the lengthy government shut down that gave us a glimpse to what we can expect if proposed changes to Medicaid and SNAP are instituted.
During the government shut down, we served more meals than ever before. One day during the last week of October we served 800 meals – an ominous record number in our nearly 50-year history. Even before the SNAP crisis, we were noting an uptick in the number of times per week guests seek our services. Our May 2025 guest survey revealed that 84% of guests come to CK for a meal at least 3 days per week, up from 76% previously. 54% come 5 to 6 times per week, up from just 18% previously.
The average number of meals we serve daily has increased by 58% compared to before the pandemic. We are also serving a higher number of meals to families with children, reflecting rising food insecurity among low-income families. Seniors and those with disabilities are also seeking our services in higher numbers.
Your support this year made all the difference. And we will need you that much more in 2026. While we prepare for continued challenges ahead, we’re also excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary beginning in June. Plans are well underway for parties and events that will span a full year from June 2026 to May 2027. We’ll have multiple opportunities to applaud the accomplishments we’ve reached together over the last 5 decades. We’ll also launch new and inspiring offerings for volunteers. If you don’t already, please subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media, for up-do-date information about events and volunteer opportunities. Information about our June 50th anniversary kickoff event will be released soon.
As one volunteer recently said – “A meal is more than just nutrition. It’s an acknowledgment of someone’s humanity. Perhaps in 50 years from now, the need for our services will end. Until then, we will be here, offering a hot meal and a place at our table.”
With gratitude for your support and commitment to our mission.
Carrie Kitchen-Santiago
Executive Director
