Feed Thy Neighbor

Saint Andrew’s has been serving the needs of the local community for decades.

In 1981, several churches of the Foothills Convocation got together to start a soup kitchen for the homeless. Thousands of meals were served in Saint Andrew’s own Long Memorial Parish Hall. Eventually, the need outgrew our facility and our soup kitchen became the Project Host Soup Kitchen on Academy Street.

We are once again serving the homeless with a new ministry, Feed Thy Neighbor (FTN). Founded in 2010, FTN has grown to become a cooperative effort of the Episcopal community in Greenville. Saint Andrew’s, St. Peter’s, St. James and Christ Church feed the homeless each Saturday from 7:30 to 8:30 AM.

Our breakfast menu is simple: eggs, ham biscuits and grits. Our guests have frequently commented that we have the best breakfast in Greenville.

Recently, a guest arrived with his shopping cart full of all his worldly treasures. He finished breakfast and was observed reading some of the educational materials available in the parish hall. He graciously thanked his host, left and returned a few seconds later. In his hands, he had a wrapped sleeve of plastic cocktail glasses and said “I would like you to have these. God bless you.” This was one of those priceless moments that not even a television commercial could deliver.

Several times a year, FTN becomes FTN/Clothe Thy Neighbor.  Parishioners clean out their closets and donate their seasonal clothing for the homeless. Gently used shoes, socks and coats are the most sought after items.

Eventually, we aim to incorporate activities that will help with a hand up, not simply a hand out. Saint Andrew’s wishes to extend the invitation to any church in the Greenville community to become a part of this ministry of Christian service.

Feed Thy Neighbor is self-supported by the generosity of the parishioners of Saint Andrew’s, St. Peter’s, St. James, Christ Church, and Roe Cassidy Law Firm.

If you would like to support Feed Thy Neighbor, we would welcome your time, treasure and talents.  Just drop us a note at office@standrewsgreenville.org