Twist in tale of recession as demand sees second soup kitchen open

The building on Sean Costello St, Athlone, has seen many days and many uses.

Only a few years ago, it was the place to go to get a stylish haircut at an award-winning salon. Now it is home to the town’s first soup kitchen in living memory.

Situated just two doors from Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden’s office, the Twist soup kitchen will provide a free meal for those in need and is the brainchild of Athenry man Oliver Williams.

“The food is free, we don’t accept donations for the food,” Mr Williams said. “It’s all run by volunteers. We know Athlone is feeling the pinch, and we serve hot beef stew, with lovely fresh vegetables, or lamb stew, and there is brown bread, with teas, coffees and soft drinks.”

Twist will be open in Athlone from 10am till 4pm six days a week, and they urge those interested in donating food items to do so through their website, www.twistsoupkitchen.com.

At the front of the building is a charity shop, also run by volunteers.

Mr Williams recently opened a soup kitchen in Galway which is already feeding more than 80 people per day, and he expects Athlone to be as busy when the kitchen is up and running. “We’re getting unbelievable media attention this morning, and I’ve talked to many radio stations and RTÉ is here, and at the same time some of our suppliers are arriving.”

Tom Callinan of Callinan butchers on Connaught St arrived with five kilos of mince, and said he will drop in some more a few times a week.

Fiona from O’Hehirs bakery, Golden Island Shopping Centre, dropped in three brown loaves, three white, three soda, and three low GI, and said more would be coming each evening.

The soup kitchen has four tables, each with seating for four in a restaurant setting, beside the kitchen. It all takes place behind a purple curtain separating the eating area and the shop, which is to the front.

Mr Williams feels Twist’s services will be even more in demand closer to the festive season.

“We’ll also be open for Christmas Day and will provide a three-course meal,” he said.