It’s been a fast and furious season for SKIP as we’ve finally thawed out from last month’s blizzard and, in the blink of an eye, welcomed spring. Here are a few important dates for the month ahead: Brunch at SKIP returns on Thursday, April 16 after such a great turnout in February. Our April birthday celebration will take place on the 29th, with cake served and a raffle for two gift cards to Bay Café. We’ve also extended our final day of dining room service by one week to Friday, May 1st when we’ll celebrate our community with a SKIPNIC, featuring burgers on the grill with all the fixings. As always lunch is served from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

While the dining room season wraps up, our home delivery program continues year-round under Chef Gina’s leadership, providing nutritious meals to those facing health or mobility challenges. To learn more or to schedule an eligibility interview, please contact the SKIP office at office@skipfood.org.

During our off-season there are many food resources available. The Outer Cape Food Access Guide from Outer Cape Community Solutions is a comprehensive resource that lists local food programs, including pantries, meal sites, delivery services, and assistance programs, to help residents in Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, and Eastham access free or affordable food. Copies of this guide will be placed on the lunch tables. You can also download the guide or visit our skipfood.org for more information.

SKIP conducted its 2026 Guest Survey during the week of March 9, gathering feedback from both dining room and home delivery guests. Of the 120 surveys distributed, 74 were completed, representing a strong 62% response rate. The majority of respondents are Provincetown residents (87%), with most traveling to SKIP by car (71%), and 12% participating in the home delivery program. Guest attendance is well distributed, with many visiting multiple times per week, reflecting SKIP’s important role as a consistent and reliable food resource.

The survey results overwhelmingly reflect a positive guest experience. An impressive 97% of respondents described SKIP’s volunteers and staff as very or extremely friendly and helpful. Guests expressed high satisfaction with meal quality, noting that food is appetizing (89%), creative and varied (88%), appropriately portioned (80%), and served at the right temperature (78%). Guests come to SKIP not only for the food—65% cited enjoying the meals—but also for the sense of community, with over half valuing the opportunity to socialize. Most guests (82%) prefer to dine in, highlighting the importance of SKIP as a welcoming gathering place.

While feedback was largely positive, guests also offered helpful suggestions. About 40% had no recommendations, while others expressed interest in seeing more ethnic dishes, comfort foods, and baked goods on the menu. Themed meals and celebratory events are well received, though some guests noted they would like more events or better awareness of them. Most respondents do not have specific dietary restrictions, though among those who do, low sugar and low sodium options were most common. Vegan and vegetarian preferences are present but represent a smaller portion of guests.

Feedback from home delivery clients, while based on a smaller sample, was equally encouraging. Respondents unanimously praised the friendliness and reliability of delivery drivers, and most expressed strong appreciation for the program, with some noting they rely on SKIP meals as a primary food source on delivery days. A few indicated interest in expanded delivery frequency.

Overall, the survey affirms that SKIP is successfully fulfilling its mission—providing nutritious meals in a welcoming, community-centered environment. The strong expressions of gratitude from guests underscore the meaningful impact of SKIP’s volunteers, staff, and partners. As one guest shared, “What an incredible service for the community. Thank you.”

Mark Taatjes’ Provincetown story began 31 years ago with a summer stay at Coastal Acres, where he met Paul, the man he would later marry. What started as a two-year relationship led to a life-changing decision: Mark sold his home in Saugus and made Provincetown his permanent home. He first lived at the Figurehead House and later settled with Paul on Franklin Street, where they created a home that included something especially meaningful to Mark, a garden.

Mark’s professional life reflects both adaptability and a strong work ethic. In Boston, he worked as a law firm receptionist, a lab technician at Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as a towel attendant at a Boston bathhouse. Back in Provincetown, he became a familiar and friendly presence through positions at the Aquarium Mall, Conwell Hardware & Paint, and Gaymart. Trained in culinary arts in vocational school, Mark later brought those skills to Seashore Point Wellness and Rehabilitation, where he prepared daily meals for residents.

Mark’s culinary training and cooking experience make him an invaluable volunteer at SKIP, where he’s been lending a hand for the past six years. Chef Gina often relies on him to prepare sauces and vegan dishes, and his own gluten-free and dairy-free needs give him a thoughtful, personal approach to creating meals that are inclusive for everyone. In his early days at SKIP, Mark even earned the nickname “Fry Daddy” for manning a giant four-burner rondo, turning out endless batches of falafels and fritters. 

Mark retired on September 6, 2025, closing a long chapter of hard work while opening another filled with more time for the things he loves like gardening, painting, crafting birdhouses, and traveling. And now that he has more free time, he volunteers even more at SKIP!

Fun factoid: Last Christmas Mark gave the gift of a gravesite to his husband Paul! They're still together! ;-)

On March 14th, SKIP once again hosted a table at the Year-Rounders Festival. More than 900 people attended this wonderful community event, enjoying a day that featured over 50 local artisans, 25+ nonprofit organizations and Town departments, a silent auction, and the always popular pet contest. The festivities wrapped up with a delicious buffet that served more than 150 hungry diners. SKIP saw great engagement at our booth, where we raffled off T-shirts and caps and connected with many familiar faces, including SKIP guests and volunteers. Board members Mark Bjorstrom and Rachel Peters manned the table throughout the day, welcoming visitors and sharing information about our programs. Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s Festival on Saturday, March 13th! 

State Representative Hadley Luddy, Executive Director of the Homeless Prevention Council (HPC), continued a wonderful tradition this week, bringing a group of about 20 team members to SKIP for lunch. The visit offers a meaningful opportunity for the team to connect not only with one another, but also with members of the Provincetown community, including some of the clients they serve.

Hadley (pictured with board member Martha and Chef Gina) stated that "Team HPC looks forward to visiting our colleague Ann and SKIP every year! In addition to the delicious lunch, we always enjoy spending time in Provincetown and connecting with the community."

February and March Birthday winners Dorian, Bobby, Nick and Sean

Volunteer Thom with a cake for the Chris Pula Memorial Birthday celebration. Thom sponsored a lunch of prime rib in honor of his late husband. Claudia, Mark & Penny preparing meals.Claudia heads back to work, so stop by to see her at John's Footlong this summer!

Board members Brett and Roger have been grilling up a storm!

Chef Steve from the Truro Community Kitchen (TCK) has been helping out in the kitchen!

The Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP) is looking for caring volunteers to join our Lunch Delivery Program.

It only takes 1 hour of your time and you can choose your delivery day. We provide healthy, nutritious lunches year-round to local residents who meet age and health requirements.

When We Deliver

• Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
• HOW volunteers cover Tuesdays
• We especially need drivers for Thursdays and Fridays

Each day, about 35 meals are delivered throughout Provincetown, including options for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and unrestricted diets.

Why Volunteer?

Our guests are deeply grateful for these meals and for the friendly faces that deliver them. Many of our drivers say it’s one of the most rewarding ways they give back to the community.

Whether someone needs meals long-term or is recovering from surgery or illness, your help makes a real difference.

Interested?

To learn more or sign up, please contact:

SKIP Office Administrator

📱 (508) 487-8331

📧 office@skipfood.org

—HOMELESS PREVENTION COUNCIL. The Homeless Prevention Council has office hours in Provincetown from 10 - 2 Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday at the Provincetown United Methodist Church. For more information, please refer to their website. www.hpccapecod.org/provincetown-community-support

—CROP SWAP. Crop Swap is Ptown’s source for fresh, uncut fruits and vegetables and is open year round. Sponsored by the Ptown Health Department, the Ptown Public Library and SKIP, anyone may donate fresh fruits and vegetables, and all are welcome to take what they need. All fruits and vegetables are free. Please bring your own bag.

Crop Swap is located in the Ptown Library, 356 Commercial Street, to the left as you enter the front doors. Hours are:

Mondays & Fridays: 10-4:30

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays: 10 - 7:30

Saturdays & Sundays: 1 - 4:30

—FOOD GIFT CARDS. We also provide Stop & Shop gift cards for distribution by Helping Our Women (HOW) and a church largely serving the area’s Jamaican community. These organizations determine who’s qualified to receive them. 

—MEAL DELIVERY. On three days each week, we home-deliver nutritious meals to those with health, mobility and other qualifying issues. Contact the SKIP office, office@skipfood.org, to set up an interview to determine qualifications.

In addition, SKIP provides input and a link to The Lower Cape Food Access Guide updated in April 2025 by Outer Cape Community Solutions (OCCS). This comprehensive list details food resources available from Provincetown to Eastham, as well as other Cape-wide services. Check out the Resources page on our website, www.skipfood.org/resources, for a link to this guide, or pick up a copy in the SKIP office at 20 Shank Painter Road. 

GINA LARKIN, Executive Chef

JOHN STRUMWASSER, Office Coordinator

DIDIER CORALLO, Utility Person

SKIP Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 10-2/Phone: 508.487.8331

If you'd like to contact the editor, please email us at office@skipfood.org.