The model of the social enterprise made me feel that it is unsustainable, as a BZSE student, but at the same time, it also inspires me as an individual.
This social enterprise basically serves food, but it is not like the conventional soup kitchen or restaurant. In this community restaurant, there are no price or menus for the food served. customers are welcome to pay for their meals, while those who can't afford to do not. This bistro is mainly to help those low income families who are in needed by providing them with free meals while customers can pay whatever they can afford. The restaurant also allows customers to volunteer at the restaurant as payments for their meals. The operations are sustained by customers who are able to pay for their meals, while the restaurant also have it's own garden to grow their food supplies.
I feel that this social enterprise is an example of how we can give back or help the society. Even though it can be something as simple as free food for the needy, it can be very important to the needy. I think that the fact that social enterprise like this community kitchen is able to work, proves that people are willing to help out each other. Even though it is a "pay what you can" restaurant, some of the more well to do customers are still willing to pay extra, to provide for someone else's meal. I feel that another good point about the restaurant, is that it allows people to volunteer or work at the restaurant, in exchange for food. By providing job opportunities and meals, the restaurant is helping the poor to feed themselves, and giving them the opportunity to learn and find jobs. I feel that although such social enterprises might be hard to start up, it is definitely able to help others in the society.
References
Haindl, Sangeeta. (2011, October 24). Social Enterprise: Jon Bon Jovi's Soul Kitchen. Retrieved 22 December 2012 from: http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Enterprise-Jon-Bon-Jovi-s-Soul-Kitchen/50334.html
Hi Nicholas!
ReplyDeleteI have the same point of view as you which is Soul Kitchen might not be able to sustain. Instead I feel that they should have done something like Subway like a free meal between certain hours or certain days specially catered to low-income families.
However on the other hand, in western countries, people are definitely more generous in terms of helping those in need in monetary terms. Operating on a volunteer basis to pay off their bills is a good effort as well because u get paid for what you work for.
I hope that Soul Kitchen sustains though or get some grants as it is a really good initiative to help people out.