In 1990, Souper Bowl of Caring (SBoC), began with a simple prayer: “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat” was delivered to a small youth group at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC led by Brad Smith, who was serving as a seminary intern at the time.
This gave birth to an idea. Why not harness the energy and enthusiasm of Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together for football, food and fun, to unite the nation for a higher good? Individuals and groups could collect dollars in soup pots and canned food for those in need and send every dollar and food donation DIRECTLY to a local charity of THEIR choice.
The first year, they invited 22 area churches to join the team and collected $5,700 with 100% of donations distributed to local-area charities.
That was 1990. Since then, Souper Bowl of Caring has become a national, grass-roots, youth-inspired movement where ordinary people are doing extraordinary good. Over $170 MILLION in dollars and food has been generated while benefiting thousands of soup kitchens, food banks, meal programs and other hunger-relief charities in local communities.
Thousands of participants including: churches, schools, youth groups, community partners, grocery partners, local businesses, media partners, NFL teams and passionate individuals have experienced for themselves, the joy and satisfaction of giving, serving and inspiring people across the country to follow their generous example.
Souper Bowl of Caring’s Mission is “Uniting All Communities to Tackle Hunger”. For over 30 years, the Souper Bowl of Caring movement has been inspiring young people across the nation to tackle hunger in their local communities.
Join with the FPC Youth on Sunday, February 13, 2022 as they unite to tackle hunger. They will collect donations in the back of sanctuary. All proceeds collecting will go to support A Place at the Table, a pay what you can café located at 300 W. Hargett St.