What can a can of soup do?
No, it’s not meant to be a tongue twister, but a sincere question! What can one can of soup do?
A can of soup can literally be the one meal for a person for the day.
In the case of the soup can here, this literally is a quick way to receive some nutrition and fill a belly. The can here requires no can opener, and it’s been cooked already so it could, if (sadly) necessary, be eaten cold. It can also be heated on a stove or in a microwave. It requires no water or milk and provides 22% of the recommended daily protein for the average adult.
I do realize that this is not a perfect meal, and for some—way too much sodium and preservatives. I understand that. But I also understand hunger, and when you’re hungry—none of those things matter. What matters to a hungry soul is how easy it is to cook, and how fast my child can eat it. Items that require tools, special pans, and added ingredients—those are stumbling blocks to the hungry. So that’s why I buy soups like this one. I keep it simple.
Souper Bowl of Caring has been around a long time, and through this food drive, churches stock up the shelves during lean times—when businesses and others do not donate for the holiday season. And yet, it’s still winter, people are still hungry, and the food banks see increases in people seeking assistance. Food insecurity is real, and a serious problem in our community. Souper Bowl brings this to our attention and through a fun advertising gimmick pushes us to compete and stock up those shelves.
Our collected canned offerings will go to a local food bank here in Milwaukee—I have three that I will be calling to see who has the greatest need, and we will deliver what we have there. The funds we receive will be collected and then given directly to the Hunger Task Force to use to buy food in bulk and to pass out to those in need in our county.
You are welcome to contribute in any way you can (yes, that’s a bad pun). If you are unable to drop off cans of soup when the church is open, perhaps you are able to send a check in the mail. But since this is NOT a competition, just buy some soup and drop it off yourself somewhere. I am sure wherever you drop it off, they will need it and be grateful.
Sometimes loving your neighbor is by providing a can of soup. Yes, sometimes it is that easy to love.
Blessings, peace and love to you,
Pastor Sarah