Loretta Parsons’ extraordinary journey with the Soup Kitchen of Muncie is one of compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication.
From her early days as a volunteer organizing “Sunday Suppers” to her impactful tenure as Executive Director, Loretta’s influence has transformed the organization and the community it serves. After 13 years as Executive Director and nearly 20 years of involvement with the Soup Kitchen, Loretta retired effective December 31, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
“Loretta was an amazing leader for the Soup Kitchen of Muncie. She interacted well with guests, volunteers, staff, and board members alike and was the face of the Soup Kitchen to the community for well over a decade,” said Clare Chatot, a former board president. “She always ensured we met our mission to feed the hungry, no matter what the challenge.”
A Heart for Service
Loretta’s journey with the Soup Kitchen began with a seed of faith and an unwavering desire to make a difference.
After retiring early in 2005, she sought ways to serve her community and was drawn to the Soup Kitchen. Her involvement started modestly, organizing “Sunday Suppers” for those in need. Over time, her commitment grew as she became a part-time cook, then, in 2011, the Executive Director. Through every role, Loretta brought warmth, humility, and a genuine belief in the power of service.
“I’ve always believed that when you give to others, you receive back tenfold,” Loretta shared. “Helping others has filled my life with purpose and joy in ways I never expected.”
Loretta’s passion for helping others was deeply influenced by her upbringing. Born and raised in a hardworking family, she learned the value of perseverance and kindness from her parents, who rarely missed a day of work. Her grandmother, a pillar of unconditional love, instilled in her the values of compassion and community.
After a successful 30-year career at Ball Corporation, where she advanced from factory work to becoming a purchasing manager, Loretta retired early. However, her drive to serve led her to devote her post-retirement years to the Soup Kitchen, creating a legacy of care and commitment.
Transformational Leadership
Under Loretta’s guidance, and with the help of forward-thinking board members, the Soup Kitchen experienced remarkable growth and modernization. When she stepped into the role of director, the kitchen served about 100 meals daily. Over the years, that number doubled, especially during pivotal moments like the closure of local grocery stores and the COVID-19 pandemic. Having served with 7 different board presidents, Loretta led the organization through these challenges with resilience and creativity, ensuring the community’s most vulnerable populations didn’t go hungry.
“I always said we’re not just feeding people; we’re nourishing a community,” Loretta explained. “That’s why modernization and growth were so critical to our mission.”
Her tenure saw significant advancements:
- Modernization of Facilities: Loretta spearheaded a complete overhaul of the kitchen, replacing outdated equipment with efficient, commercial-grade appliances. A dual convection oven, stainless steel prep tables, and other upgrades now enable volunteers to serve meals with greater ease and quality.
- Digital Presence: Recognizing the importance of visibility, she partnered with local organizations to establish a professional website and a strong social media presence, amplifying the Soup Kitchen’s mission and attracting support.
- Collaborative Fundraising: From leveraging Giving Tuesday campaigns to securing grants through the Community Foundation, Loretta’s efforts expanded the organization’s resources. Notably, her class reunion initiative in 2017 raised $12,000 to fund essential upgrades.
Stories That Illuminate Her Impact
For Loretta, the numbers were only part of the story. Her leadership wasn’t just about running a facility; it was about fostering a community. She guided a diverse group of volunteers, navigating the challenges of working with individuals from all walks of life while ensuring everyone felt valued and motivated.
“One of the greatest joys was watching our volunteers grow,” Loretta said. “You could see how serving others enriched their lives as much as it did for those they were helping.”
Whether calming tensions during difficult moments or stepping in to assist a young volunteer hesitant to “do dishes,” Loretta embodied patience, kindness, and fairness.
A Lasting Legacy
Loretta often said, “This place is for our guests. It’s not about me; it’s about the people we serve.” Yet, her fingerprints are everywhere—from the partnerships she built to the hearts she inspired.
As she steps away from her role, the Soup Kitchen of Muncie stands as a testament to her vision, stronger and more capable than ever.
“Leaving is bittersweet,” Loretta reflected. “But I know this place is in good hands, and the work will continue to thrive.”
Loretta has been succeeded by Kristina Houk, who brings a wealth of experience in kitchen management, community outreach, marketing, and relationship building, as well as a deep commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting the Muncie community.
To Loretta Parsons, we say thank you. Thank you for your tireless dedication, your faith in the mission, and your belief in the good that can come from a hot meal and a warm smile.
You leave behind a legacy of love and service that will guide the Soup Kitchen and its community for generations to come.