New England Soup Kitchen Installs Security System For Safety, Efficiency

A comprehensive security system featuring Axis Communications products has provided operators the ability to monitor the facility inside and out with limited staffing.

A New England soup kitchen recently deployed a new comprehensive security system, enabling the team there to efficiently monitor the facility with limited staff. Located in Lynn, MA, My Brother’s Table, the largest soup kitchen on Massachusetts’ North Shore, set out to replace its analog surveillance cameras with a state-of-the-art solution — enhancing safety and efficiency and alleviating the workload of its lean staff.

“Being so understaffed, we rely heavily on our new technology to keep our volunteers, service providers, and patrons safe wherever they are in this huge facility,” said Dianne Hills, Executive Director of My Brother’s Table. “We can see what’s happening in all the different corners, control access to specific doors, and still create a welcoming atmosphere for our patrons. Having the new system for the holidays was especially appreciated because it helped us maintain a warm, open setting during the busiest, most important time of the year.”

security system
The facility-wide security system combines video surveillance and access control, improving coverage of the facility’s interior spaces and its exterior.

Founded in 1982, My Brother’s Table provides more than 80,000 free meals each month to those in need. Since its founding, the organization has served more than five million meals, and is staffed by two full-time employees and a handful of volunteers. In addition to its work serving meals to the hungry, they also support an on-site clinic to address health concerns.

security system
The AXIS A1601 Network Door Controller works with an AXIS Camera Station, or with third-party software from a multitude of partners.

My Brother’s Table turned to K&M Communications, an integrated security solutions provider, when its analog cameras and intercoms stopped functioning. Part of this “rip-and-replace” project included installing new megapixel cameras, ensuring coverage where there had been none before. To improve door security, old intercoms were replaced with new network video intercoms, which were linked to door controllers, allowing for remote activation. Additionally, keycard readers were installed at designated doors, enabling staff, volunteers, and service providers to securely gain entry to the facility. This new comprehensive solution combines video surveillance and access control, improving coverage of the facility’s interior spaces, parking lot, and surrounding streets on a platform that is easily accessed and operated by the staff.

This new, integrated system is comprised of solutions from Axis Communications, an industry leader in network video — offering products and services for video surveillance and analytics, access control, intercom, and audio systems.

The entire system at My Brother’s Table is designed for flexible operation; staff can view the cameras, communicate with visitors from the video intercoms installed at door entries, and unlock doors from a desktop or through a smartphone app. According to Hills, these capabilities are particularly valuable as staff can program the guest door to remain locked during meal serving hours, when staff are unable to monitor entrances. At other times, volunteers at the reception desk can use the app’s intuitive, touch-based controls to communicate and screen people at the entrance, reminding them to wear masks or other protective gear before allowing them access.

Since COVID-19 forced My Brother’s Table to switch from indoor dining to meals-to-go, the facility uses one of its new outdoor cameras to monitor the crowd lining up on the street. This enables them to take attendance in real-time, without sending a staff member outside, to see how many guests are still waiting outside to pick up meals. With the socioeconomic challenges presented by the pandemic, it was essential for My Brother’s Table to continue its service to the public — averaging between 80,000 and 90,000 meals served each month during 2021.

“Food insecurity continues to be a problem for our community, whether it’s families unable to stretch their budget, people who are homeless or the elderly,” says Hills. “But thanks to generous public donations, selfless volunteers, and our new security technology, we’ve been able to provide a safe and secure place for them to turn.”