SOUP AND INSPIRATION: Born of hardship, driven by faith, Magda Meyer has been feeding Paarl’s hungry for 30 years
Elderly Magda Meyer uses donations and surplus food to feed the hungry in Paarl every day. Through Magda se Sopkombuis (Magda’s Soup Kitchen), she continues to connect with people and give back to her community.
Magda Meyer, an elderly woman in Paarl, has been running a soup kitchen called Magda's Soup Kitchen for over 30 years, feeding the hungry every day. Her dedication began when she herself faced financial struggles with her children in primary school. In those difficult times, she started cooking once a week for those in need, despite having little herself.
Meyer's soup kitchen, now run from her home, has no fixed menu and relies on donations, surplus food, and digital grocery vouchers. They also obtain surplus food through their partnership with FoodForward SA, which recovers food from farmers, manufacturers, or retailers. Meyer and her team ensure that all food is safe and meet health standards before serving it.
The soup kitchen operates from Meyer's own industrial kitchen, with many items donated to help keep it running. Meyer's faith plays a significant role in her work, trusting in God's guidance to keep going despite challenges. She dreams of having her own garden to grow their own crops and helping the children she feeds have a better future than their difficult circumstances.
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