DETROIT – Capuchin Soup Kitchen normally helps others, yet it’s in need of help at the moment.
Local 4 is partnering with Capuchin Soup Kitchen to collect new blankets, towels, and socks as part of a Go 4 It event scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 6333 Medburry Street in Detroit.
It’s not uncommon to find chicken and waffles served with hot honey syrup and spicy cole slaw at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The mastermind behind the spread is Alison Costello. The director of food services and executive chef started working there more than 20 years ago.
“I’ve been coming here for a while,” said John Owens, a guest.
Costello’s passion for food mirrors her passion to serve.
When asked if she feels like her role is a calling or a job, she simply said it’s part of her life.
“I love it,” said Costello.
She refers to her diners as guests, some who are either unhoused or struggling to make ends meet.
Unlike most soup kitchens, she has rose water and fish sauce in her pantry. Costello works with vendors to purchase whole food ingredients. Whatever she doesn’t buy, she grows in a nearby garden.
When she first arrived, she swapped iceberg lettuce for spring mix after citing nutritional concerns. Recently, she prepared her apple-stuffed chicken breast served with currant sauce, currants grown from her garden, for our Local 4 crew.
The caliber of food is something one might expect to see in fine dining. For Costello, she believes it’s important to bring an elevated dining experience for her guests.
“Just because someone may be unhoused or has a mental illness or something like that doesn’t mean they can’t eat well,” Costello said.
Costello’s dishes have challenged her guests’ palates, but they’ve also kept bellies full. For Owens, if the soup kitchen wasn’t available to him throughout the week, then he’s not sure what he would do for food.
“I would do a hustle,” Costello said.
At times when it’s not easy for people to ask for help, the soup kitchen offers an extra heaping of dignity, finished off with the honor of serving its community.
“Our guests aren’t problems to be solved,” Costello said. “They’re just like people like you and me.”
