Soup kitchens,women and social policy: studies from Peru

This article describes the operations of soup kitchens in Peru for low-income women and their families; it is based on interviews with leaders and members of 12 soup kitchens in Lima, 21 women who took part in a workshop, and interviews with leaders of the Federation of Organizations of Self-Managed Soup Kitchens of Lima and Callao. Soup kitchens may be self-managed or started by women's groups and later recognized and funded by government programs. Government programs usually include a range of support services, such as daycare. More recent changes in both types of programs include provision of income generation or social service activity to help families increase income and cut household expenses. Kitchens operate with a governing board and a decision-making assembly. Soup kitchens are located in rented, borrowed, or owned properties. Self-managed kitchens can have 35-100 members. Active members cook and receive a set amount in return. Kitchens prepare about 100-560 meals/day and charge less than 1 new sol. The law requires the state to cover 65% of food costs. Kitchens begin operations at 5:30 AM. Soup kitchens operate connected activities depending upon member's age, their children's ages, family size, and commitment. There are many benefits and sacrifices. Members gain confidence, self-assurance, knowledge, and self-esteem due to capacity building, skills acquired, and social recognition. Women's participation affects gender relations in their family, sometimes including domestic tension and conflict. Soup kitchens are valued for the improvement they foster in living standards of members and their families.