Our Story
In 1979, Pastor Sam Griffin and his wife, Audry, identified a critical need for a soup kitchen in their Saginaw neighborhood during a challenging time for the automobile industry. They began serving meals from their church basement in January 1980, initially feeding just 15 people. Over the years, the East Side Soup Kitchen has grown significantly, now averaging over 250 meals per day for various community members, including seniors, the working poor, and those experiencing homelessness. The organization has expanded its services, launching an After-School Meal Program in 1994 and partnering with Hidden Harvest in 2002 to combat food waste and hunger. In 2005, a move to a new, accessible facility allowed for even greater community service.