Ladle Fellowship of FPC is a Christ-centered soup kitchen and has been helping the homeless and poor in downtown San Diego since 1983. Rather than follow the failed social welfare model, this ministry is geared around sharing the love and truth of Christ with people in meaningful and personal ways. Ladle volunteers listen to, talk with and pray for our homeless and poor neighbors. Conversion, discipleship and changed lives are what we are all about.

Every Sunday afternoon a hot and nutritious meal is served to about 250 people. Clothing and hygiene items are supplied to those requesting them. Gospel music and a Bible message present our guests with the hope of salvation and a glimpse of a new way of living.

ABOUT VOLUNTEERING:

Please do not assume that we always need volunteers!! Read below before coming. Although Christ is the focus of our ministry, volunteers need not be Christian to serve.

Groups: Please note that MOST DATES ARE ALREADY FILLED. Groups (Families, youth groups etc) wanting to serve MUST first contact the Ladle office to see if there is an opening on the calendar. From time to time, due to a cancellation, dates may become available—but you must first get an “OK” for you group to come.

Families: Please read the paragraph above and know that children must be at least ten years of age to serve at Ladle. This is for the safety of children and there are no exceptions.

High-school Students: Francis Parker students must sign up at school in advance in order to be included on the list for upcoming Sunday dates. Students may arrive as early as 9:00a.m. The only other students who may have community service hours signed for are those affiliated with First Presbyterian Church of San Diego and those who come with one of our regularly-scheduled/pre-approved groups. For Saturday community service hours, email the ladle office to make arrangements.

Individuals: Usually we can accommodate one or more individuals, but not always. Please email the Ladle office first to see if there is room on the Sunday you have in mind. When you email, please mention your group affiliation and how you heard about us.

FPC Members: Members of First Presbyterian Church of San Diego are welcome to serve or observe any Sunday. Emailing in advance is helpful, though not required. Simply come down to the kitchen/dining room after either service, but in any case no later than 12:30.

Times and tips: Scheduled groups should arrive no later than 1:30. There will be an orientation meeting at 1:40. Enter the building via the 3rd Ave entrance, which is mid-block between Date and Elm. Parking is allowed in any of our 3 lots, which are located near 3rd and Elm. Appropriate dress is casual/neat. We use bleach water for clean-up. Women and girls are expected to observe our policy of “moderate modesty” (the confirmation email you receive has the specifics of the Ladle dress code). Plan to stay until the program concludes at 4:30PM.

DONATIONS ARE GLADLY AND GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED!

FOOD – Bring food of any kind to the church any day of the week. (A call ahead is appreciated, but not required.)

CLOTHES – First and foremost, we need men’s pants, socks, shoes, shirts and jackets. Sweaters and blankets are also needed. All hygiene items, such as shampoo, deodorant etc. (travel size is best) are welcome.

MONEY– Individual contributions are a substantial and important part of our budget. Your gift—of any size—will be greatly appreciated. Checks should be made out to Ladle Fellowship of FPC. Offerings may be mailed to the church or placed in the offering plate.

For more information, contact us at ladle@fpcsd.org.

Ladle Fellowship of FPC
320 Date Street
San Diego, CA 92101