Meet ‘Souperman’ Chris Hyde, Director of the Food Source Foundation
Chris Hyde believes that making and sharing food nurtures both body and soul. It is a simple idea with a big impact. A life-changing inspiration activated Hyde’s journey to make soup and give it away to anyone. Souper Sunday started nearly two years ago and has blossomed with far-reaching consequences and richer community connections.
Initially, Hyde made nourishing soups through the week, packaged them, and made them available for pickup from his front porch on Sundays. Notices and sign-ups are on a Facebook page. Word spread and interest grew. Last December, Hyde formed the Food Source Foundation, a non-profit which provides the mechanisms to accept financial support to keep the delicious soup pots full and nutritionally diverse.
“Food is a basic right,” says Hyde. With compassion and without judgement, Hyde explains that there are countless reasons why people may need a meal. It may be a single parent balancing family and work, students running on empty, elders who need extra care, artists and musicians enriching our world while making ends meet, hardworking, employed people who are already stretched by paying for rent and utilities, and just someone who needs a warm meal and a welcoming space. Souper Sunday makes connections regardless of income, background, or beliefs.
The Food Source Foundation works with local businesses to keep food from being wasted. Starbucks donates protein packages and sandwiches. Food kits are also made that include the ingredients for a meal.
Currently, there are eight satellites in the Olympia area that provide food on different days. Souper Sundays are also operating in two other states. “We are building a growing network of people who commit to sharing food with their communities,” notes Hyde. It is about being part of the sacred circle of giving and receiving.
Look for a children’s recipe book coming out soon.
You can help with gardening, making deliveries, networking and cooking. Financial contributions to the foundation can be made on the Food Source Foundation website or through the Combined Fund Drive’s State employees’ payroll deduction at give.wa.gov.
If you interested in making soup and operating your own satellite, you can find information on the Souper Sunday website at soupersundayolympia.com.
With over a million views, you can watch KOMO’s Eric Johnson’s heartfelt video about Chris Hyde and his soup adventure on Facebook.
For Additional Information
Food Source Foundation
foodsourcefoundation.org
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS