How it all started...
Soup-n-Share began as an outreach ministry of Mt. Nebo M.B. Church in 2009. On January 16, 2009 the wind chill factor was 20 degrees below zero, and Sherrie Hare received a phone call from Pastor Juan Conway asking if she would make some hot soup to take out on the street to folks in our community. Sherrie made 80 cups of chili that day, and it was the beginning of our mission to provide food assistance to families and individuals in need in Madison and surrounding communities.
That day showed us that the struggle with hunger in our area was real. This is where Soup-n-Share was born and continues to step in. By providing free groceries twice per week to homeless and low-income households, we help them stretch their food budgets farther as they try to get on their feet financially.
As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we now work with many area partners including church groups and local businesses. We are also a distribution partner of the St. Louis Area Food Bank & Operation Food Search.
That day showed us that the struggle with hunger in our area was real. This is where Soup-n-Share was born and continues to step in. By providing free groceries twice per week to homeless and low-income households, we help them stretch their food budgets farther as they try to get on their feet financially.
As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we now work with many area partners including church groups and local businesses. We are also a distribution partner of the St. Louis Area Food Bank & Operation Food Search.
MILESTONES ALONG THE WAY
In 2010, Hope Center was introduced to Soup-n-Share through Bro. George Smith and a partnership was formed and still remains today.
In 2013, Soup-n-Share became an agency with the St. Louis Area Food Bank.
In 2014, Soup-n-Share expanded its reach to Columbia, MO; Mounds, IL; Washington Park, IL and continues to grow to other areas as the need arises.
In 2016, with a desire to build on broader partnerships across the community, Soup-n-Share was officially incorporated as an Illinois non-profit organization and became Soup-n-Share Outreach Program, receiving 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS.
In Sept 2019, SNSOP relocated to Caine Drive in Madison, IL to better serve our expanding client base and to include space for walk-in refrigeration equipment. We greatly expanded our food storage and choices, and implemented the client-choice model where clients can choose the foods their families are most likely to eat. In 2019, we also launched the “No Child Wet Behind†diaper bank partnering with WIC (Women, Infants and Children Division of Madison County, to provide disposable diapers to low income families.
In Feb 2020, we added our first full-time employee, an Executive Director, to provide oversight to our programs and to help us build capacity.
Currently, about 15 volunteers assist our staff each week in pursuing our mission to nourish our neighbors in need. A nutritionist from University of Illinois Food Extension also visits regularly to demonstrate various ways of preparing the foods clients receive at Soup-n-Share Outreach Program.
Expanding the vision...
The diaper project will help provide clean diapers to low income families with infants to toddler-age children in Madison County, IL . On average, infants need 10 - 12 diapers a day, toddlers about 8. Disposable diapers can cost around $70 - $80 per month per baby. No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers. Our diaper project will help fill the gap for the families in Madison County, Illinois.
