‘Soup’s On’ provides noon meal, camaraderie
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“Soup’s On,” is a free lunch program designed to aid the needy, by improving people’s health and welfare. The program benefits everyone, including economically disadvantaged children and adults, people with disabilities, and senior citizens. The lunch grew from another free monthly evening meal program, which began in 2005. The “Family Table” project grew so much over four years, several local churches stepped up to provide similar free monthly meals on alternating weeks. Attendance has grown from a handful to as many as 120 people at local “Friendship Tables.”
The Soup’s On noon meal is held at the Wander Inn, across from Dempsey’s Pawn Shop on Seventh Avenue in Polson. Even though many people who are served face poverty-related issues, others attend “Soup’s On” simply for the friendly atmosphere and camaraderie. People who wish to do so may support the program by giving a cash donation for their meal.
The mission of “Soup’s On” is to provide a place where everyone feels nourished, safe, empowered and appreciated. It’s a friendly place to share a midday meal where anyone is welcome and everyone is treated with dignity.
According to Sandy Farrell, “Soup’s On is a critical next step in addressing important community needs. We improve the health of our participants through nutrition, education, and social contact. We recruit some of our volunteers from the population we serve, giving them an opportunity to do something meaningful for the community. Therefore everyone has an investment in the program’s success, and everyone has a voice.”
This project enjoys support from the community in the form of monetary donations, food contributions, and other in-kind donations. Not to mention a team of dedicated, reliable volunteers, who contribute to all aspects of the program including facility renovation. In addition, Soup’s On has sought and received funding from a national hunger foundation through the Feinstein Challenge.
They are now raising funds to upgrade the electrical system in their facility. Volunteers have vowed they will sleep outside, in front, in a tipi, until they raise the $1,800 it will take. Their campaign will begin Feb. 21 and continue through the week. Local restaurants are donating soup in a cook-off competition, the winner of which will be recognized for the “best soup in the valley.” Come from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and join the fun. Attend the open house those same evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. for food and entertainment. This is an opportunity to encourage the campers and help improve the facility. The fundraising week will end Saturday, Feb. 26 with the second annual winter fest at the Elks Club in Polson. The winter fest is a Mexican specialty dinner that begins at 5 p.m. followed by music with Southern Comfort and the Hot Flash Blues.
To our RSVP Volunteers: Soup’s On is a recently added station to our family of stations. They can use any time you have to give. For more information call (406) 883-7284.
