Homestead Soup Kitchen Continues Mission Under New Leadership

For more than 40 years, the Homestead Soup Kitchen has served as a steady source of help for residents in Homestead, Florida City and the surrounding South Dade area.

Under new leadership, that mission remains the same: feed those who are hungry, no questions asked.

First Lady Morgina Lloyd Dean, the kitchen’s new director, said the role is closely tied to work she already felt called to do.

“This is my passion,” Dean said.

Located at 105 S.W. 3rd Ave. in Homestead, the Homestead Soup Kitchen provides free hot lunches on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. The kitchen has long operated with a simple policy: anyone who arrives during serving hours receives a meal, without identification, paperwork or a needs test.

That approach is especially important as more people continue to seek help. Dean said she has seen an increase in the number of people coming through the doors, a sign that the kitchen’s work remains deeply needed in the community.

For Dean, the role is not only about managing an operation. It is about making sure people are fed with dignity and that the kitchen continues to be a place where residents can receive help without judgment.

The Homestead Soup Kitchen reported serving 48,492 meals in 2024, continuing a long history that dates back to 1983. Since its founding, the organization has served more than 600,000 meals to people in need.

Dean said one of her priorities is strengthening the support system that allows the kitchen to keep serving. That includes bringing in more volunteers, receiving more donations and making sure the kitchen has the supplies needed to operate each week.

The kitchen accepts both monetary and in-kind donations. According to Dean, some of the most useful items include canned goods, rice, paper goods, forks, spoons and napkins.

Donations can be made through the Homestead Soup Kitchen’s website, social media pages, PayPal or by stopping by the kitchen.

Volunteers are also needed. Dean said those interested in helping can call or email the kitchen to learn more about signing up.

The kitchen also welcomes partnerships with churches, businesses, civic groups and residents who want to support the work being done. While no major upcoming events or drives are currently scheduled, Dean said the kitchen remains open to community partnerships and continued support.

For many residents, the Homestead Soup Kitchen is more than a place to receive a meal. It is part of the safety net that helps families, workers, seniors and individuals who may be facing a difficult season.

As need continues to grow across South Dade, Dean said the focus remains clear: keep the doors open, keep the meals coming and keep serving the community.

Those interested in donating, volunteering or learning more can contact the Homestead Soup Kitchen at 305-245-7448 or visit homesteadsoupkitchen.com.