The 24-Hour Soup Kitchen: Soul-Stirring Lessons in Gastrophilanthropy

Stephen Henderson

Jun 2020 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Adam Lofbomm

About this audiobook

It was when traveling on assignment in India that journalist Stephen Henderson first learned of soup kitchens operated by Sikh houses of worship (or gurudwaras). After volunteering for a week at the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi-which feeds 20,000 men, women, and children every day-Henderson became curious to research global gastrophilanthropy, or the very different ways in which hungry people are served free meals around the world. When newspaper and magazine work dispatched him to places across America and abroad, Henderson would add days to his itineraries to learn about local customs of charitable cookery. This intriguing series of field reports reveals the clamor, chaos, and compassion of kitchens in places such as Iran, Israel, and South Korea, as well as those in Austin, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. While the recipes, culinary methods, and clientele may vary, all the soul-stirring experiences share a common theme: a great way to show love to the needy is through the gift of food. Written with a huge heart, and an even bigger appetite, these chapters-sad and funny, sometimes both-may inspire you to embark on your own acts of gastrophilanthropy.

About the author

Stephen Henderson has worked as a public relations professional and journalist since graduating from Wheaton College in 1979, and Yale Divinity School in 1987. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Town and Country, Food and Wine, and elsewhere.

Adam Lofbomm's passion for language inspired him to read broadly, write extensively, speak publicly, and perform on-stage and on-camera. In 2006, when he stepped into the vocal booth for his first narration job, all those many pieces clicked into place. He realized that voice acting was what he was made to do.