The Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen began at St. Francis school basement on May 18, 1987, as St. Francis Soup Kitchen. Our first guests numbered 18. We have moved twice. The first time to South Seventh. We were then on ground level and handicap accessible. However, because of guests coming too early, it was disruptive to the adjoining businesses. It was during that period we got a new name — more community minded, as that was what we were. Many of the community churches and organizations worked at preparing one meal each day. We have been at our present location on Oak Street near the former Temple Baptist Church for eight years. Our daily attendance is now in the he 50s and often hit the 60 mark. We have operated all these years strictly on donation and grants. Our manager, Bob Evans, is very good about writing grants to help our cause. At the present time we are collecting funds to update the kitchen, as per Minnesota health inspector standards.

It is truly a mission looked favorable by our God. Without him we would never have been successful for 25 years. The Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen is a great asset to the city and surrounding area of Brainerd.

Florence Nelson

Brainerd