While the need for the Soup Kitchen in Langley remains ever important, a lack of community donations has the volunteer-run lunch provider hurting.

In addition to less food that can be purchased, organizers of the Soup Kitchen were unable to pay utility bills to The Island Church of Whidbey for the first time in its 14-year history, longtime Chef Dan Saul said.

“We haven’t ever before,” Saul said. “This is the first time. It’s just really strange.”

The shortfall in funding is a head-scratcher for both Saul and fellow organizer Jean Matheny.

“We figured the Lord will provide, but, sometimes you wonder,” Matheny said. “I hate to ask people for money and that’s not the way we run the program. But, we do need it.”

The Soup Kitchen provides free lunch for an average of 100 people every Tuesday and Thursday. Attendees range from the homeless to those looking to enjoy the social atmosphere. During special occasions, attendance nears 250 people. Around eight volunteers help prepare and cook food, which ranges from chicken noodle soup and potato cabbage to tomato bisque.

Matheny said weekly food costs are about $150. She was worried last week when donations barely topped $100, though an influx of contributions a few days later alleviated that concern. But, if the problem persists, the Soup Kitchen may be in trouble.

“That’s not enough to keep us going,” Matheny said.

She added that the organization needs volunteers as well, particularly for the Thursday meal led by herself. Besides cooking and serving meals, she and a few others also have to clean up.

“I’m getting too old to do all that,” Matheny laughed.

According to Freeland residents Rick and Dinah Zapata who attended the Thursday lunch, the Soup Kitchen provides a buffer for those struggling to acquire sources of food.

“I think a lot of people would go hungry,” Rick Zapata said.

The Zapatas are among those who attend for the social atmosphere. Another patron, Doug Calder, said the Soup Kitchen is like a fellowship.

Doris Martz, a regular since 2003, said the kitchen embodies life on Whidbey Island.

“To me, it has that small-town atmosphere,” Martz said. “I’m not homeless and I don’t need it, but it’s a good social place.”

Asked what could be done to help the ailing lunch provider, Martz said outreach efforts could be improved. She suggested posters or signs be placed around town to help get the word out.

Saul said organizers may consider hosting a barbecue fundraiser or some other kind of event to raise both money and awareness.

“If we can just get donations, we’re in good shape,” Saul said.

While money is tight, food donations are still coming in from residents and South Whidbey businesses such as the Clinton Food Market and Goose Grocer in Bayview. They are also greatly helped by members of The Island Church of Whidbey. Regardless of supply amounts, they’ll work with what they have, Saul said.

“If we don’t have it, we don’t worry about it,” Saul said.

Those interested in donating can deliver money or food to The Island Church of Whidbey office, or directly to volunteers at lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lunch is served from noon to 1:30 p.m.

“We’re thinking it might be a temporary thing. We’re hoping that’s what it is,” Matheny said.