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Soup It Forward Day

Providing warm meals fosters compassion, supports vulnerable populations, and strengthens community bonds through acts of kindness.

Charity Food & Drink Helping Others Soup62

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Mobilize community-driven soup donations and cooking events in March to drive brand goodwill, employee engagement, and food-bank partnerships while positioning your business as a compassionate community leader.

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Host a corporate soup-making challenge: teams compete to create the most donations for local food banks
Partner with a local soup kitchen and feature customer/employee stories of 'Hugs in a Bowl' impact
Launch a March food-drive campaign: for every soup product sold, donate one can to a partner charity
Behind-the-scenes content: show how businesses organize large-scale soup donations and community events

History

The idea behind Soup It Forward Day came through the creative work of Soup Sisters, a non-profit organization in Canada that has been working hard since 2009 to address the hunger crisis.

With the knowledge that soup is one of the most nourishing, well-balanced meals that can also be offered in large quantities and is affordably priced, this group started Soup It Forward Day in 2018 with the purpose of encouraging more people to provide soup donations to charities on the front lines.

The term ‘soup it forward’ is a play on the phrase ‘pay it forward’ that was first made popular in the 20th century but became part of pop culture more recently through the movie of the same name that was released in 2000.

With the idea of making the world a better place and caring for people first (rather than “paying it back”), in this case, the concept has been applied to sharing a meal of soup with someone who needs it.

With the hope of continuing to tackle the rampant food insecurity that is sweeping through communities, Soup It Forward Day encourages individuals, families and groups to get involved in three simple ways: making soup, sharing soup and giving soup.

How to celebrate

Host a Soup-Making Event

Groups, businesses and others who want to participate in Soup It Forward Day might choose a soup-making event that fosters friendship and community while making a difference for someone who needs a hot meal. Gather donations for supplies and consider partnering with a cooking school or others with industrial kitchens to make and then deliver “Hugs in a Bowl”. Those in Canada can find more information about locations that sponsor these events through the Soup Sisters website.

Support a Soup Kitchen or Food Bank

Even those who aren’t interested in a cooking event can be involved with Soup It Forward Day by supporting a local soup kitchen, food bank, homeless shelter or other place that serves food to those in need. Contact the organization to find out what kind of donations they need – often canned soup is welcomed – and then organize a food drive to boost the supplies that are needed. While this day takes place in the early spring, many food banks find themselves short on supplies in mid-winter, so that might be another good time to act!

FAQ

Are soups actually a healthy choice for everyday meals?

Soup can be a healthy everyday option when it is built around vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and modest amounts of lean protein, while limiting sodium and cream. Studies of soup consumption in large populations have linked regular soup eating with higher overall diet quality, greater intake of vegetables, and lower total fat intake, but the benefits depend heavily on the recipe and portion size.

How does eating soup affect appetite and weight management?

Research suggests that soup served at the start of a meal can increase feelings of fullness and reduce total calorie intake in that meal, especially when it is broth‑based and contains vegetables. In trials where participants ate a low‑energy‑density soup before their main course, they typically consumed fewer total calories without feeling hungrier, which may support weight management over time when combined with an overall balanced diet.

Why is soup often used by charities and community programs to feed people in need?

Soup is widely used in soup kitchens and community meal programs because it stretches ingredients, is relatively inexpensive, and can be prepared safely in large batches. It allows cooks to use donated produce, grains, and protein efficiently while serving many people a warm, filling meal that is easy to portion and transport. This makes soup especially practical for organizations responding to food insecurity with limited budgets and fluctuating supplies.

What is the difference between a food bank and a soup kitchen?

A food bank mainly collects, stores, and distributes groceries to local agencies and food pantries, which then provide those items to households to prepare at home. A soup kitchen, or community meal program, typically prepares and serves ready‑to‑eat hot meals on site to anyone who comes, with no cooking needed from the guest. Both models address food insecurity but meet different needs and operate in different parts of the emergency food system.

How does sharing a simple meal like soup influence social connection?

Anthropologists and social scientists have long observed that sharing food is a universal way humans build trust, reciprocity, and group identity. Even a basic communal meal, such as a pot of soup, creates opportunities for face‑to‑face conversation, signals hospitality, and can reduce social isolation, particularly for people who live alone or are marginalized. Studies on communal dining show that eating together is associated with stronger social networks and a greater sense of belonging.

Is canned soup an acceptable donation for food banks and soup kitchens?

Most food banks and many soup kitchens gladly accept commercially canned soups, especially those that are low in sodium and not past their “best by” dates. Shelf‑stable items are easier to store and distribute, and soups can serve as quick meals for households with limited cooking facilities. Donors are advised to check each organization’s guidelines, since some prefer certain package sizes or types of products to match their storage and client needs.

How do different cultures use soup to show care or hospitality?

Across cultures, soup is frequently associated with comfort, healing, and welcome: chicken soups and congee are given to the sick in many East Asian and Western traditions, harira is served to break the fast during Ramadan in Morocco, and broths or stews are common offerings to guests in many regions. In each case, the act of slowly preparing and sharing a warm, nourishing bowl signals concern for the recipient’s well‑being as much as it provides physical nourishment.