Soup Kitchens Rise

The book argues that the exponential growth of soup kitchens and similar initiatives represents a turning point in American social welfare history, revealing the inadequacy of existing systems before the New Deal.
By examining localized responses to the economic crisis, Soup Kitchens Rise provides a nuanced understanding of early relief efforts, from religious institutions to community groups.
It begins by setting the pre-Depression landscape of social welfare and proceeds to explore the emergence of feeding programs across various cities, culminating in an assessment of the social and political ramifications of this widespread charity, offering valuable insights into American history and social issues.