Soup Kitchen, Service Learning, and Managerial Accounting

• In Event: Management Accounting 2

Abstract

This paper describes a service learning project developed to enhance the coverage of certain concepts in the introductory Managerial Accounting course. The assignment entails a service learning fieldtrip where students help prepare a meal at a local soup kitchen and use actual financial data from the nonprofit organization (soup kitchen) to identify cost behavior, calculate the cost of a meal, and perform some basic CVP analysis. The service learning assignment enhances students’ understanding of managerial accounting and promotes student involvement in the community.
Student feedback suggests students value the opportunity to engage in service learning that draws linkages between textbook material and the real world while showing students how they can make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate than them. Furthermore, assessment data based on a grading rubric indicates most students meet or exceed instructor expectations increasing the viable use of this course project.

Authors

• C. Andrew Lafond, LaSalle University

• Bruce A Leauby, LaSalle University