Study finds unhealthy food at soup kitchens

KENT COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Local soup kitchens help the neediest in the community, often feeding hundreds of people a day.

Now, a recent study by Grand Valley State University found that the food served at three local soup kitchens is often not very healthy, and contained excessively high levels of fat and salt.

Getting food often isn't the problem, it's making healthy meals from what's been donated.

Mel Trotter Ministries in Grand Rapids dishes out more than 560 hot meals a day. Half goes to those in substance abuse recovery, the other half goes to the shelter.

Michael Merren is in charge as director of food services.

"Quite frankly, there are people who count on us as their only meal during the day," said Merren.

Now, a study at GVSU is raising the question of just how good that food is. Lisa Sisson led a research team at GVSU. For two months, they evaluated meals at Mel Trotter Ministries, Guiding Light Mission, and God's Kitchen in Grand Rapids.

The team found high-fat meals with too much salt, and not enough whole grains or calcium.

"This population really has problems with tooth decay," said Sisson. "All of those chronic issues we look at today resulting from obesity."

Merren is already adjusting to serve more chicken, turkey and dairy products.

"One of her suggestions was parfaits using yogurt and granola, etc, making it look like ice cream," said Merren.

The results of the study also went to a Kent County committee, the researcher recommended more training and education for those who donate food and for those who prepare the meals.