Launched by Medowie Assembly of God pastor Arthur Magrath, the soup kitchen is just another string in the bow of services provided by the organisation.

Pastor Magrath 18 months ago began a food service from a house at Medowie which has since grown to provide occasional food parcels for more than 380 families in the Port.

"We've identified a new poor," Pastor Magrath said.

"There are working families who just cannot make ends meet because of rises in interest rates, electricity and food, and there are some pensioners here who are eating dog food because it's all they can afford."

The soup kitchen opened for its first lunch service at the Medowie community hall on Thursday and catered to about 40 people.

"We served kebabs and sausages with bread, salad and people were happy just to come and have something to eat," he said.

"There were people here with their kids and they are just really grateful."

The majority of food provided at the kitchen, which will open for lunch three days per week, is donated.

"We desperately need sponsorship for ongoing costs and we need volunteers," Pastor Magrath said.

For more details or to help contact 0412 625 036.