Organic Soup Kitchen’s “Buy One, Give One” Keeps the Lights On SoupMeal sales provide sustainability during funding decline

Organic Soup Kitchen SoupMeals are flying out the door to residents who want to support their friends and neighbors in need. “The soup that gives back” has become a staple in homes throughout Santa Barbara with all the sales supporting functional nutrition and food security for cancer patients, chronically ill and low-income seniors. As demand for nutritional services skyrockets and funding declines, SoupMeal sales have provided a stream of revenue that has allowed Organic Soup Kitchen to continue supporting the community. 

“Our clients have nearly tripled in the past year and SoupMeal sales have helped us keep the doors open,” says Andrea Slaby, Chief Operating Officer at Organic Soup Kitchen. “Donations have slowed as a result of the pandemic, and we are extremely appreciative to residents who purchase soup and give back to our most vulnerable community members. We offer our full menu for purchase on our website and recipes change weekly.” 

Since 2009, Organic Soup Kitchen has been the sole organization in Santa Barbara County to handcraft and deliver metabolic oncology SoupMeals to the homes of low-income cancer patients, seniors and chronically ill. The esteemed Cancer and Chronic Illness Recovery Program has become a trusted resource for all residents facing medical or financial hardships. Clients are referred to Organic Soup Kitchen from nearly 20 of the most prominent agencies in the County’s public health and human services sector including Cottage Hospital and all of the local cancer centers. Organic Soup Kitchen also provides SoupMeals to nearly a dozen agencies that distribute them to their low- income residents and clients who would otherwise not have access to nutrient dense food. 

A leader in the organic food industry, Organic Soup Kitchen has been recognized for their integrity in selecting only premium whole food ingredients including organic produce and medicinal quality herbs and spices. Working closely with leading oncologists, they work diligently to formulate SoupMeal recipes that strengthen the immune system, promote healing and increase vitality. SoupMeals are hermetically sealed in BPA-free containers providing clients with 100% safe, clinically-backed nutrition with no additives, preservatives or fillers. SoupMeals are available for purchase and every SoupMeal sold provides soup to a community member in need. For information please visit www.organicsoupkitchen.org.