Soup’s On! is a weekly community lunch program that takes place every Thursday from 11:30am to 1pm at All Saint’s Anglican Church. The program began in December 1999 with three guests served on that first occasion. Attendance quickly grew to its current average of between 55 and 65 guests each week.
The program is run by a co-ordinator who supervises six teams of six to eight core volunteers. In addition, a group of bakers provide weekly baked goods.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life: some are Anglicans, some are members of other churches and some have no church affiliation. All share the desire to serve others and do so in a non-judgmental way, realizing that we often learn more from our guests than we can offer in return.
Soup’s On! is open to all but most of our guests are homeless, transient, the working poor, or special needs individuals and their caregivers. Some of our guests are seniors who come as much for the company as for the food, others suffer from depression, alcohol or drug addiction or other debilitating afflictions. We also welcome mothers with young children and offer them the opportunity to socialize with each other while their youngsters are free to be themselves in a relaxed atmosphere. One table is reserved for parents with young children. High chairs and child friendly sandwiches and juice are available and a nursery with books, crayons and toys is located nearby. It has always been our policy to make these luncheons as welcoming as possible. The tables are set with colourful tablecloths and fresh flowers.
Soup’s On! offers not only a hearty, nutritious hot lunch, it is a meeting place providing an opportunity to socialize or experience a change of pace. Sometimes it is simply a shelter for a brief time from inclement weather.
Each team is led by a volunteer cook who has Food Safe qualifications. The kitchen has always received high marks from Provincial food safety inspectors who visit regularly.
The lunch menu includes at least two nutritious homemade soups (1 vegetarian, 1 with meat). A variety of sandwiches are offered along with home-baked cookies. Fresh fruit is always on hand. All meals are provided free of charge.
The program is funded by contributions from the Anglican Church, Thrifty Smile Card Program, Country Grocer Save a Tape, other businesses, organizations and individuals.