When folks on the Outer Cape hear the name SKIP, no doubt our daily hot and healthy meals come to mind. But in recent years, SKIP has expanded its services to the community, building on its core commitment to our guests. Outside our dining room and kitchen, what is SKIP is doing for the wellbeing of our community?

We’ve made food gift cards more widely available. Once distributed only at SKIP, the cards are now getting into the hands of worthy recipients via such outlets as Helping Our Women (HOW) and a local food pantry. Additional distribution points are always under consideration.

To ensure that Crop Swap stays adequately supplied year-round, we’ve increased funding for this dispenser of fresh produce located at the Provincetown Public Library.

We’re continuing to build partnerships with such organizations as HOW and the Homeless Prevention Council, recognizing our unique ability to identify those in need of more than a hot meal and companionship.

In yet another example of SKIP’s broader view of community service, SKIP is exploring ways to stay ahead of future unforeseen challenges. Keeping in mind the resourcefulness of our team in responding to the COVID crisis, we’ve made emergency preparedness an ongoing priority.

Because the venue housing SKIP’s dining room is only available for part of the year, we continue exploring ways to address food insecurity all year long.

Given all that’s on the soup kitchen’s plate—you’ll pardon the mixed metaphor—maybe a lot more than lunch will come to mind when you hear the word SKIP. Of course, all our engagement with the community today and in the future would not be possible without the support of our volunteers, staff, board and, of course, our generous donors!

Happy holidays!

Phil

Today is #GivingTuesday where millions of people around the globe come together to celebrate generosity, share kindness, and drive record-breaking giving. Please consider donating to SKIP to help us achieve our mission of providing 150+ hot meals daily.

In just a few days on December 3rd, Souper Saturday is what's cooking! I'll be in the kitchen at Tin Pan Alley serving up soup donated by over 30 of our local businesses. Rick, our "Souper Man" is making his delicious corn chowder, and I'll be serving up my Sausage, White Beans, & Collard Greens soup. We are so thankful to all of our soup donors (below) and to Jack, Paul, and the staff of Tin Pan Alley for hosting the annual event. Say hello as you pass by on your way to get a delicious cup of soup!

Chef Gina

If you wonder where the delicious soups served at SKIP come from, we would like to introduce you to our very own “Souper Man”, Rick May. He makes soups every Tuesday and Thursday. Rick began volunteering at SKIP in 2012 and has worked with several chefs including Gina.   He used to also fill in for chefs on vacation. Asked how he started making soup at SKIP, Rick said “Well, Gina was busy and asked if I could make soup. I said ‘sure’ and it sort of took off from there. I just morphed into soup making.” Gina & Rick collaborate on soup choices, sometimes complementing a meal being prepared, sometimes building a meal around the soup. He tries out many of his recipes before making them at SKIP. Sometimes, he says “I make it up as I go along, especially if we’re basing a soup on something that was donated to SKIP and needs to be used. That’s always been fun!”

Born to a big Italian family in NY, Rick is used to cooking large amounts. His favorite meal to make is macaroni with meatballs, sausage, and a Sunday sauce (Italian red sauce that simmers for a long time). Prior to moving to Provincetown, Rick spent 15 years in DC, working for the Federal Reserve System where he trained employees on computer software when PCs were first being introduced. Later, he worked on projects such as Symposiums for the heads of Central Banks throughout the world, and providing Federal Reserve Bank data to the U.S. Congress.

Besides cooking, Rick enjoys movies, reading, and music. He loves the entertainment opportunities that Provincetown offers, and being able to walk everywhere. Rick likes the “bubble” that is Ptown; the safety, the beauty, and the many connections that are part of our town. Like many of us, Rick says that most of his friends have come from SKIP.  

If you missed Rick’s Corn Chowder a few weeks ago at SKIP, fear not. It’s making an encore appearance at Souper Saturday on December 3rd at Tin Pan Alley. Don’t miss it - it’s amazing!

Thank you, Rick, for your soups and your hard work on behalf of SKIP. We are glad you are a part of our SKIP family.

Please join us in welcoming Paulo Salvador, our new Office Coordinator. Paulo has experience in accounting and grant writing for a non-profit and has expert computer and social media skills. Originally from the New Bedford area, he relocated to Provincetown this past spring to work on a film produced in town, felt the sense of inclusion and community we all love, and decided to stay. He looks forward to serving the community he now calls home. We’re excited to welcome him. Please stop by the office to say hello

SKIP’s meals could not be served without the generous and loyal support of the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). We work with them to supply many of our basic food items. Gina, our chef, then adds more meat, fresh produce and other items to complete her delicious menus.

GBFB is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and one of the largest food banks in the country. It works passionately to end hunger across Eastern Massachusetts by providing our neighbors the healthy food and resources they need to thrive.

As a beneficiary of GBFB, SKIP salutes a valued partner in the fight against food insecurity. When it thrives, so does SKIP. To learn more about this organization, please visit www.GBFB.org.

Gladys Johnstone of Provincetown, former Senior Citizen of the Year for 1997 and current holder of Provincetown’s Boston Post Cane, died on Nov. 1, 2022 at Seashore Point. She was 100. She arrived here in the early 1990’s after her son, Doug, had bought a house in Provincetown. Gladys decided to move in, even though she had never been to Cape Cod. Her family was unsure how she would fare alone at the tip of the Cape, but she fell in love with the town and felt a freedom and peace she attributed to the beauty of the surroundings. Gladys immersed herself in Provincetown’s vibrant senior community where she volunteered at the Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP), Ruthie’s Boutique, and the Outer Cape Health thrift store. Gladys also worked as WOMR’s receptionist and as a cook for the Council on Aging, retiring in her late 80s. Gladys was an animal lover, avid gardener, and voracious reader; she loved puzzles and did the Sunday New York Times crossword in ink. Among Gladys’ survivors is her son Douglas Johnstone and husband Edward Terrill of Provincetown. 

Kevin Schneider, 69, died peacefully at his home in Provincetown on Oct. 22, 2022. You may know Kevin from Stop & Shop where he worked as a Pharmacy Technician for many years. Several times he would join his friends at SKIP for a meal during his lunch break.  Kevin loved all that Provincetown had to offer; singing in the Outer Cape Chorale, beach walks, and going to the theater. He also enjoyed playing with his cats. If you’d like to donate in Kevin’s name, you can do so at the Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter in Provincetown, whose staff kindly took care of Kevin’s cats.

Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP) has been selected again to receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold during the month of December 2022 at Stop & Shop, 56 Shank Painter Road, Provincetown.

Purchasing one can help SKIP in two ways. First, SKIP will receive a $1 donation. Plus, if you use it for your takeaway lunch, SKIP will not have to pay for a shopping bag. Guests are reminded to bring a reusable bag or bring back the one they brought home previously. 

NOVEMBER 29: Health Screening with Nurse Maralyn

DECEMBER 3: Souper Saturday 11:30 - 2:30

DECEMBER 13: Health Screening with Nurse Maralyn

DECEMBER 22: Christmas Dinner!

DECEMBER 27: Health Screening with Nurse Maralyn

www.skipfood.org/events

FOOD ASSISTANCE

If you or someone you know has food insecurities, please refer to the list of available food resources. If you’re unable to receive food from these sources, feel free to contact SKIP by email, skipfood@gmail.com, or by phone at 508-487-8331. We will do our best to aid anyone in need of food assistance.

HEALTH PROGRAM

The Program involves health monitoring by a registered nurse for any SKIP guest who wants it. A nurse will be on-site to check blood pressure, review medications and answer health-related questions. The program is completely confidential for every participant. It will take place every other Tuesday of each month during SKIP’s season. The nurse will be available from before lunch at 12:30am until 1:30pm on those days. 

HOMELESS PREVENTION COUNCIL

The Homeless Prevention Council has office hours in Provincetown from 10 - 2 Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday at the Provincetown United Methodist Church. For more information, please refer to their website. www.hpccapecod.org/provincetown-community-support

CROP SWAP

It is a program sponsored by the Ptown Health Department, the Ptown Public Library and SKIP. Crop Swap is Ptown’s source for fresh, uncut fruits and vegetables and is open year round. Anyone may donate fresh fruits and vegetables, and all are welcome to take what they need. All fruits and vegetables are free. Please bring your own bag.

Crop Swap is located in the Ptown Library, 356 Commercial Street, to the left as you enter the front doors. Hours are:

Mondays & Fridays: 10-4:30

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays: 10 - 7:30

Saturdays & Sundays: 1 - 4:30

There is a refrigerator for perishable items and shelves with bins for non-perishables, such as potatoes and squash. Be sure to take advantage of this valuable resource. 

GINA LARKIN, Executive Chef| Paulo Salvador, Office Coordinator |

DIDIER CORALLO, Dishwasher/Utility Person |