Charlie Johnson-Parker believes God wants her to take care of his people.

"I wanna tell you," she said,

Johnson-Parker converted a step van into a mobile soup kitchen she calls The Roving Chef. Three days a week she cooks in her truck and hands out meals to whomever needs or wants food. Mondays she is stationed at Center and Detroit streets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesdays she is at Big Lots from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Fridays she is in front of Wal-Mart from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. She has her business license and the Health Department regularly inspects her truck.

"The people that I'm feeding are so appreciative," she said.

Meals are traded for cash donations, food or meal tickets. Johnson-Parker created meal tickets for the needy to make it easier for them to get food. The meal tickets are free to those who need them and are available at Warsaw Police Department, Salvation Army, Combined Community Services, Social Services of Kosciusko County, Our Father's House, St. Anne's Episcopal Church and Warsaw Wesleyan Church. Each ticket allows for eight trips to The Roving Chef.

The general public can get a meal for a cash or food donation. Every meal is different, she said, because she never knows what food she'll have to prepare. However, everyone gets the same meal of the day and the same portions, and all meals come with dessert and beverage. Deliveries are also available to shut-ins.

Johnson-Parker said she grew up hungry so she knows what it's like.

"I guess it's my calling," she said.

There is a sign in her truck that says, "Hired by God, paid in full." She believes her ability to cook is a gift from God.

"(God) gave me the spiritual ability to love unconditionally," she said. "My responsibility is to use these gifts to give back to his people."

Two years ago she started taking in homeless people to help them get back on their feet.

When asked where all the food comes from, Johnson-Parker had several answers. This summer she ran a catering service from July to October. She uses the leftover food from that to run her soup kitchen. The public also provides food with donations and money.

"The food is just there," she said. "It's coming from God."

She said she will continue to feed people all winter and "as long as God sees fit."

"It's just me doing what God wants me to do," she said. "The only time I'll quit is when there is no groceries and no gas."

The Roving Chef will pick up donations. Donations also can be sent to P.O. Box 705, Pierceton, IN 46562. For more information, call 839-8503. [[In-content Ad]]