The Winsome & Lismore Soup Kitchen Inc. - Lismore, New South Wales

G S.

Vastly improved methods are critically required here, the freshness and nutritional value elements in the foods and beverages served here are invariably poor.
And I will force you to ask yourselves, HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY HOPE TO HELP FOLKS BY EXPECTING THEM TO EAT THIS DEAD AND TAINTED INGREDIENTS?
Genetically modified foods, frozen foods, microwaved processes, no organic/pesticide free considerations, takeaways in toxic environmentally hazardous plastics instead of cardboard boxes!?!
There's plenty of room for improvement and anyone who disagrees with this review is obviously delusional.

Chloe S.

I had always heard and known the Windsome & Lismore Soup Kitchen as a place celebrated for its role in supporting the community. It was known for offering meals, warmth, and a safe space for those in need. As a disabled person struggling with daily life, I went there, hopeful that I'd receive some much-needed support.

What I encountered was the complete opposite.

The day manager, who should have been there to help, not only denied me service but publicly berated me in front of others.

A Disabled Person’s Experience of Discrimination at the Windsome Soup Kitchen

I’ve always known The Windsome & Lismore Soup kitchen as a place of support—a community resource offering help to those who need it most. It’s a well-respected establishment in our area, known for feeding the hungry and offering a safe, welcoming space. As a disabled person, I thought I would be treated with the same respect and compassion others receive. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

When I arrived at the soup kitchen, I hoped to find a place where I could receive a meal, like anyone else in need. However, instead of finding understanding and kindness, I encountered an experience of blatant discrimination. The day manager, someone in a position of authority, immediately denied me service. Without explanation or compassion, I was told I was not welcome, treated as though my disability somehow made me less deserving of help.

The most hurtful part wasn’t just the denial of service, but how the manager publicly belittled and berated me. In front of others, I was made to feel small, powerless, and unwelcome in a place that was supposed to offer solace to those who are struggling. The manager seemed to take pleasure in wielding their authority, as if it was a tool for cruelty rather than compassion.
Not to mention the staffs reaction to her approaching ,clearly intimidated,
I left the meals given by staff that had not yet been able to ask and had every intention of doing so ,
I left feeling humiliated and heartbroken. It was not just an isolated incident, but a powerful reminder of how discrimination can manifest even in spaces that claim to help the most vulnerable. As a disabled person, I face challenges every day, and to be treated with such disregard at a place meant to provide care was deeply painful.

What struck me most was the complete lack of empathy or understanding. The power dynamic at play in that moment made it clear that the staff member wasn’t just following protocol; they were allowing their personal biases to shape their actions. It wasn’t about helping someone in need—it was about asserting control in a way that humiliated me.

This experience highlights a critical issue: no one, especially those already marginalized, should have to face additional humiliation when seeking help. It also speaks to the importance of inclusion in services meant to support everyone, regardless of ability.

I am sharing my story not just to vent my frustration, but to call attention to the broader issue of discrimination that too often goes unnoticed. I hope that by speaking out, we can create a community where people with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect, no matter where they go for help.

This experience does not define me. I will continue to stand strong and seek the support I deserve. But I hope that this serves as a reminder to all of us: kindness and empathy should be at the heart of every service, especially one meant to help those in need.

Really disheartening alot of people work hard to have this day manager ruin community spirit to save herself a meal or 5 yet deny community members and humiliate them

breathe P.

Best community centre ever
Run with a heart full team in peer support providing free lunch and cheep coffee every day 9am - 1pm

Nick ?. A.

Good people doing their best 🫶🏽
The good people from not just Lismore, but this whole area of the far north coast, has a sense of community. The like of which you don’t find anywhere.
- this fine establishment is a fine example of what I’m referring to.
To the whole team.. we salute you ✌🏽

Daniel

Volunteered here a while. It's well organized, pending on how many show, no restrictions on second helpings. Wrapped up take home sandwiches and bring a container if wanting meal takeaway to reheat. A medical center volunteers a community outreach program one day a week.. Free haircuts on another day, coupons for the laundromat round the corner are available. No idea what it's like since the flood. A great asset for the town in many ways. Par for the course that you might not feel overwhelmingly comfortable around all the clientele, can't fault the places policies or mode of operation for such though.

Tony B.

In the process of being restored after a major flood.

michael B.

Classic old pub now used to provide services for the less wealthy.
Great assett and in line with lismores future economic prospects

Jes R.

The most worthy charity I've ever come across. Volunteers keep the soup kitchen open 365 days a year, now that is love. Wholesome food and always yummy. Espresso coffee is yummy and cheapest ull find in lismore, quite a few (working folk in there before the kitchen open) grabbing a coffee and supporting a great charity. Nice quiet garden out back to sit and enjoy good or coffee.