Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
In Barnwell County, love is often felt most clearly around a shared table. One place where this happens every weekday is the Barnwell Community Soup Kitchen, where hospitality, dignity, and faith are served alongside every meal.
The Soup Kitchen is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and is located at 161 Allen Street on the Barnwell First Baptist Church campus in Building C. There are no requirements to attend and no barriers to fellowship. Everyone is welcome to come, eat, and be part of a caring community. From the moment someone walks in, they are greeted with warmth and treated like family.
Their mission captures the heart of this ministry:
“Showing Jesus’ Love through Action.”
Each day, volunteers prepare and serve a full, home-cooked meal, including dessert. Volunteers come from local churches, community organizations, and local businesses, all united by a shared desire to serve. The atmosphere is welcoming and relational. When you are here, you are loved like family.
New visitors are asked to complete a simple contact information form. This serves several important purposes. It allows the Soup Kitchen team to check in if someone has not been seen in a while, and it also helps identify whether a guest may need additional support or resources beyond a meal. This extra step reflects the care and intentionality behind the ministry and the desire to look after the whole person.
The Barnwell Community Soup Kitchen has served the community for many years, experiencing changes in leadership and location along the way. A significant chapter began in 2017, when Sherrie Still was brought on board as Director by Barnwell First Baptist Church.
In December 2017, the Soup Kitchen opened at its current location on the First Baptist Church campus. At that time, meals were provided as to-go plates, continuing a long-standing practice. After about a year, it became clear that deeper connection was needed. To truly build relationships, guests needed a place to come inside, sit down, and spend time together.
That decision transformed the ministry. Over the years, the Soup Kitchen has become a place where resources are shared, spiritual messages are offered, prayers are lifted, and meaningful bonds are formed. Strong partnerships have grown with CPI (Crane Payment Innovations), SRNS (Savannah River Nuclear Solutions), the Tri-County Community Foundation, Walmart, the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office, McDonald’s, local churches, and many other community partners.
During the Christmas season, generosity shines brightly as local restaurants donate coupons for the Soup Kitchen’s Christmas gathering, helping ensure the holidays are filled with warmth and celebration.
The Barnwell Community Soup Kitchen is funded primarily through grants from CPI (Crane Payment Innovations), SRNS (Savannah River Nuclear Solutions), the Tri-County Community Foundation, and Walmart, along with continued community support.
Those who feel called to serve are always welcome. To volunteer, please contact Sherrie Still at 803.671.0022 or email barnwellcsk@gmail.com.
This spotlight is part of the Barnwell County Helpline’s Community Care Corner, where we share resources and highlight the people and organizations who care for our neighbors and strengthen our community through love put into action.
Hilary Hindman | Director of Community Engagement & Recreation |Barnwell County
