Together with the Kieler Anker, they not only bring warm food, but also warmth, dignity and community to the plates - with the aim of feeding people in need in the city.
Through this campaign, the cooks have become part of a special community: the "Smutjes" of the Kieler Anker lunch table. The term "Smutje" has a long tradition and stands not only for cooking, but also for community and cohesion on board a ship. Based on the name of our company "Kieler Anker", it symbolizes the adherence to our values - community, support and the strengthening of those in need.
From June onwards, once a month it's time to don aprons for a good cause. Dedicated Smutjes from Kiel will take over the Kieler Anker's lunch table for a day. The freshly prepared dishes are served at the Kieler Ausgabestellen: Schaßstraße, Bahnhofsmission Kiel and anna Gaarden.
"With this campaign, we are creating more than just a filled plate," emphasizes Gesa Kitschke, Managing Director of Diakonie Altholstein. "We strengthen social participation, build bridges and remind people that community begins where people care for each other. To keep it that way, we rely on support. The lunch table is financed exclusively by donations. Every contribution counts and provides a hot meal and a bit of community for people in need."
Lukas Lehmann from Kieler Anker adds: "We see the lunch table as a space for encounters, dignity and solidarity. By supporting committed cooks, we not only want to secure the existing lunch table, but also develop it further."
Also involved are:
- Yummy | Yuen Chi Kwong
- Mega Saray | Kadir Aykan
- Atlantic Hotel | Lars Fister
- Boathouse | Niko Mordhorst
- Kieler Kaufmann | Sebastian Hög
- Ahlmanns | Lasse Knickrehm
- Hotel Birke | Pierre Binder
- Café Brunswik | Junes Pirmus
- Flygge Kiel | Mathias Appelt
- Gaarden Youth Hostel | Gerd Schackmann
- RBZ am Westring | Ole Herrmann & Cornelia Matthiesen
Serpil Midyatli, who personally supports the project and has been preparing a Christmas menu for the Kieler Anker for the past five years.
A big thank you to all the Smutjes involved!
Information about the lunch:
In the kitchen in Kiel's Schaßstraße, up to 130 inexpensive meals are prepared every day for lunch tables throughout Kiel.
People from the local community are employed in the kitchen and supported by a diverse team of volunteers. The visitors not only receive a reasonably priced meal, but also experience community, maintain social contacts and are given the opportunity to structure their day. The ingredients for the meals are donated food. The offer thus combines the three central social aspects of promoting commitment, community and social inclusion as well as sustainability. These synergy effects make the concept a sustainable and integrative initiative that has an impact far beyond the mere provision of food.
The annual costs for the lunch table amount to around 60,000 euros. To secure its operations, the Kieler Anker continuously applies for funding from foundations and relies on support from companies and private individuals.
Picture: Yuen Chi Kwong from YUMMY!, Lukas Lehmann, Managing Director of Kieler Anker and Gesa Kitschke, Managing Director of Diakonie Altholstein | Photo: Pat Scheidemann