Souping it up to support local and help the vulnerable
Partnering alongside the Homeless for a Week campaign, The Soup Box initiaitive returns for 2024, helping those living on the streets and the city and regions vulnerable.
Updated: 28 June ‘24
Photography: Supplied
It should come as no surprise to know that Toowoomba is a remarkably generous city.
Time and time again we’ve seen this humble home rally behind a cause and a simple google search is enough to reveal numerous national charities praising the Garden City as amongst their most generous locales. Many would likewise recognize the incredible work of many local charities and businesses within the city, tirelessly helping the region’s most vulnerable and those in need.
The latest initiative - by Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Food & Agri Network, Toowoomba Farmers Markets and local businesses Foodie Shots, Little Pig Consulting and ALE Clothing and Signs - is a community lead program called The Soup Box, to provide Toowoomba’s Basement Soup Kitchen support and resources to support the most vulnerable in our community, in the form of soup boxes which will be used to create warm and nourishing meals throughout our cold winter.
We all know the importance of supporting local not-for-profits (NFPs) and their critical role in supporting the community. In fact, without the regular backing from our generous local business community, many of these organisations could not and would not exist.
Kat Lynn, Owner of Foodie Shots and member of the Toowoomba Chamber Food and Ag Advisory Committee said, “With the cost of living drastically increased, coupled with the rental crisis, the impacts have compounded and put extra strain on services like the Base.
“We are all feeling the pinch however we all still want to help those less fortunate.
“The Soup Box provides the Community a simple way to support the Basement Soup Kitchen by purchasing just a few dollars more at the Toowoomba Farmers Markets and placing their extra produce into one of the Soup Boxes at the market.
“The Soup Boxes will be provided to Base Services to assist in feeding others in need.
“We could not have completed this initiative without the support of valued Toowoomba Chamber members, Toowoomba Farmers Market, Little Pig Consulting and ALE Clothing and Signs,” said Kat.
Robyn Ayles of the Farmers Market said, “It is great to be involved in this initiative where we encourage the community to come and buy one or a few extra vegies or the like from our local food and agriculture suppliers and place them in the soup boxes which will support our most vulnerable.
“We are excited about the concept of the Soup Box which will run from 1 July till the 03 August incorporating BASE Services yearly Homeless for a Night sleep-out on Monday August 5, 2024
To get involved, simply head to the Weekly Cobb & Co Farmer’s Markets from July 06 - Aug 03, purchase some local produce and make a donation at the (bright orange) donation marquee . . . you’ll know the one.
