A coalition of local construction firms is completing a comprehensive bathroom renovation at the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen at no cost to the organization, demonstrating the community’s commitment to a facility that has served tens of thousands of meals over four decades.
Construction Solutions is managing the project, which began earlier this week with demolition of the existing bathrooms at the soup kitchen’s location on South Boulevard. The work includes installing new flooring, sinks, and toilets. A project of this scope typically costs around $6,000, but local subcontractors—Nava Dry Wall, McVey Paint, R & S Concrete, Matthews Plumbing, Moonshine Cleaning, and Western Wholesale—are donating their labor and materials.
The soup kitchen is expected to have fully functional bathrooms by next week, providing relief for an organization serving 85 to 100 people daily. The last significant bathroom upgrade occurred in 2004, when the facility moved to its current location after decades of operation in the basement of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Four Decades of Service
The Community Outreach Center, which houses the soup kitchen, has been operating for 41 years. The soup kitchen itself was founded in 1985 when Cher Stone and other community members began serving soup and sandwiches to those in need. In those early years, the operation was modest. “We didn’t serve hot meals because we didn’t have a kitchen,” Stone recalled. “All we had was a coffee pot.”, as first reported by the EastIdahoNews.com
The organization relocated to its current South Boulevard facility in 2004, a move that allowed it to expand its capacity and services. The milestone of serving one millionth meal arrived in 2024—a testament to nearly four decades of consistent community support. The operation started modestly, serving just one client on its first day, but has grown substantially over the years.
Amy Grider, who works with the soup kitchen, emphasized the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment. “We serve 85-100 people a day and we want patrons to feel loved and come to a place where it’s a nice, welcoming environment,” Grider told East Idaho News.
Since 2020, demand for the soup kitchen’s services has climbed steadily, increasing the organization’s volunteer needs across all operations. The bathroom renovation addresses a critical infrastructure gap that had not been addressed for more than two decades.
Annual Golf Tournament Returns After Six-Year Break
To further support the soup kitchen’s ongoing mission, the community is reviving an annual charity golf tournament that had been on hiatus for six years. The event will take place September 15 at the Idaho Falls Country Club, located at 11611 South Country Club Drive, with play beginning at 9 a.m.
The tournament represents another avenue for residents and local businesses to contribute to an organization that has become a cornerstone of social services in the Idaho Falls area. Organizers hope the return of the fundraiser will generate sustained support for the soup kitchen’s operational costs and future improvements.
What Comes Next
The soup kitchen’s bathroom renovation is scheduled for completion within the coming week, allowing the facility to resume full operations with updated facilities. The September 15 golf tournament at Idaho Falls Country Club will mark the first major fundraising event for the organization since 2020, offering another opportunity for the community to support the facility’s mission of serving vulnerable and food-insecure residents in Bonneville County.
Residents interested in participating in the golf tournament or learning more about volunteer opportunities at the soup kitchen can contact the Community Outreach Center directly.