To openly display the basic Christian principles by providing food, clothing, and comfort to those in need.
Our Father's Table Soup Kitchen
Mission
Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen started serving the Indian River County community over 30 years ago in 1988. The organization strives to openly display the basic Christian principles by providing food, clothing, and comfort to those in need. Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen does not receive any government funding and relies on donations from private individuals, local businesses, churches, and foundation grants. It is located at the Mt. Zion AME Church in Gifford; although not affiliated with the church, it maintains a warm relationship with the pastor and the membership.
The organization was started by the late J. Ralph Lundy who was very concerned about the number of hungry individuals, particularly seniors in the community. J. Ralph Lundy worked for The Press Journal and was a Gifford Community activist and winner of many community service awards. He was always looking to improve the Gifford Community’s conditions and fought for paved streets, street lights, and clean water.
He was a member of the Progressive Civic League and the Biracial Committee to ensure integration proceeded peacefully in Vero Beach. In 1962 he partnered with Walter O’Malley, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers to integrate Holman Stadium. In Gifford, he organized and coached kid’s baseball and football teams.
J. Ralph Lundy served as the Biracial organization’s President until 2008. He passed away in 2010.