This Oneida chef started a soup kitchen out of his garage to help feed those in need

Anthony Ireland's primary goal is to cook and feed as many people as he can, which is why the chef has opened a popup kitchen in his garage on the Oneida Nation of the Thames territory. His clientele are people who are in need.  

"I love cooking and people love to eat," he said. "It's for anybody and everybody, so if you're hungry, then that's my target."

Ireland formerly owned a restaurant called Bubz Reztaurant in Oneida. While his business closed down a few years ago, his love for cooking never went away. 

"I came back on the reserve and volunteered at community dinners, and then I was just sitting there and my restaurant had been closed so I thought 'I wanna start a soup kitchen'," he said.

And three weeks ago, he did exactly that, opening his garage every Monday. So far, he's served nearly 100 plates of soup and french fries each time he's opened. 

By spreading the word on social media, Ireland has received donations from community members, allowing him to make a variety of dishes every week. He's also received clothing donations, for both adults and children, which he says anyone is welcome to take. 

"If I didn't get donations, I knew I can still make soup and give away fries because it's affordable for me, I don't have a lot of money, but I have a lot to do," he said.

Easing financial burdens

Ireland, who has been cooking since the age of ten, says his motivation comes from his childhood values, which place a major emphasis on community and helping others out.  

He says he's noticed how expensive food prices have become and he wants to do his part to ensure no one goes to bed hungry. 

"You don't know what people have, you could be driving a Mercedes but we won't know your financial situation and with the rising prices, there's a lot of financial need everywhere," he added. 

"It's very rewarding to see how appreciative people are over a meal and it's hard to forget that," he said. "I try to help people as much as I can."

To make his kitchen an enjoyable space, Ireland operates it as a drop-in where people can have a cup of coffee, play some pool, and watch TV. 

Inspiring the next generation 

Last week, Ireland starting delivering pots of soup to My Sister's Place, an organization in London, Ont., which he says is an important way to help out the community.  

Ireland hopes that his work can inspire his children to carry on the torch when they're older. "I hope after watching me, they will do this when they grow up."

While he doesn't have specific plans for his soup kitchen, he hopes that others make the most of his cooking. 

"I hope they'll get a satisfied and full belly. That's all I want," he said.