Souper Bowl of Caring

The Souper Bowl of Caring refers to an organization whereby people collect monetary and food donations traditionally during the weeks leading up to and after Super Bowl Sunday. All of the money and food is then given directly to local charities of the group's choice.

Started in 1990 at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, the Souper Bowl of Caring has branched out to include schools, businesses and congregations of all faiths. Together, they have raised more than $163 million in monetary and food donations. In 2020, thousands of groups collected over $10.6 million of food and contributions.

The Souper Bowl of Caring has gained national attention, securing partnerships with NFL Teams, in addition to finding National Advocates in former President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush and former President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter.

History
The Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990 with a simple prayer said by Reverend Brad Smith at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina:

"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."

22 churches raised $5,700 in the first year. The number of groups involved has steadily grown each year, and so has the amount raised and put back into the communities.

Service Blitz
During the time before and after the Super Bowl, "Service Blitzes" are held in many communities nationwide. Young people come together to volunteer with and donate to local charities. This gives the participants an understanding of the complexities of hunger and poverty in our country and around the world. Some communities sponsor local events to raise awareness, others get their youth group or club involved with a soup kitchen to have a hands-on experience.

Youth Advisory Board
While Souper Bowl of Caring is led by adults and youth on the Board of Directors, the basis of the organization is its connection with young people serving their communities. Therefore, in 2007, a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) was created to bring youth ambassadors of the Souper Bowl to local communities around America. The YAB is composed of high school students from around the country who serve as youth spokespersons to the media, lead and advise their respective communities, assist the Souper Bowl of Caring by providing ideas and suggestions and represent the Souper Bowl in a positive manner. Additionally, they attend meetings to prepare for the upcoming service events.