JEFFREYS BAY – The Impact Centre soup kitchen in Ocean View, Jeffreys Bay, is expanding its reach as more residents turn to the initiative for daily meals, highlighting the growing need in the community.

Originally launched by Impact Church in June 2025 as a twice-weekly effort to combat hunger, the project has since seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking assistance.

What began with around 250 beneficiaries on its first day has now grown to hundreds more at each serving.

Pastor Alfred Jongile, director of Impact Centre, said the expansion reflects the harsh realities faced by many in the area.

“Because people of this area struggle in terms of poverty and chronic illness and disease, as a church, our heart is to see everyone sleep with a full stomach,” said Jongile.

At a recent launch of the expanded initiative, the response from the community exceeded expectations.

“We had 500 people on the first day. We did not have enough food, but God did a miracle, and all stomachs were fed, and everyone received food,” said Jongile.

The soup kitchen, which previously operated twice a week, now runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with hopes of extending services even further to include Monday as well.

Jongile said that the initiative is supported by a small but dedicated team of six volunteers who help prepare and distribute meals to those in need.

Since its inception, he said that the soup kitchen has continued to operate from the Ocean View Taxi Rank parking area opposite the USave, providing meals to both children and adults.

“As part of our commitment, we want to make an impact in the lives of the underprivileged, ” said Jongile.

Impact Church, which founded the soup kitchen, continues to drive the initiative as part of its broader mission to address poverty in the Kouga region.

The organisation has long expressed its intention to expand community services, including increasing the number of feeding days as support grows. Jongile described the initiative as more than just a feeding scheme.

“It’s a gift that allows us to dream big. For us, it’s proof that when hope is served daily, dreams can come true. It’s meals that empower dreams,” said Jongile.

• For more information or to support the soup kitchen initiative, contact Pastor Alfred Jongile on 071 182 3718 or email alfredjongile2003@yahoo.com.

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