Serving Soup and Love: Our Valentine's Day Origin Story

Valentines Day 2024 was a typical, frigid February day. My neighbor Vicky asked, “Who wants to hand out soup and sandwiches as people put out their tents tonight?” I offered to join her, thinking a hot meal might offer some comfort amidst the disruption and cruelty of the newly-imposed daytime camping ban. We had done a few dinners at the various encampment sites over the last year, following our unhoused friends from place to place as they swept and re-formed their community in spaces that grew increasingly dangerous with each sweep. This time they were setting up on the sidewalk, knowing they’d have to be awake and taking down their tents before sunrise, according to the new law. 

When I met up with Vicky she had a box of paper bags with Valentine’s treats. Candy, a few small items, and big red hearts drawn on the outside with positive messages. I knew right then that this was more than just a hot meal. We scooped the bean soup she’d made into paper cups and handed out individually wrapped PB&J sandwiches. Our guests were tired. Living unhoused during the day is exhausting enough, but having no tent to retreat into means they had been awake and in public places since before most coffee shops were even open that morning.

What followed feels like a dream; we agreed to come back the next Wednesday and had 4 more friends offer to help. We set up a row of tables and let the guests choose their soup from three different options. The next week we had even more volunteers, even more food, and even more neighbors to serve. 

We learned the names of some of our guests, and they started calling us the Soup Ladies. We didn’t have seating at first, and our guests would sit on the curb or stand around near us and chat as we served until the food ran out. These days we’re serving 80+ a week with a rotation of more than 40 volunteers- some who come every week, some who come once. Every set of hands makes the work a little lighter.

Mutual aid is different than charity; it’s not about the cold transaction of money given and money received. Our Suppers are just as beneficial for the folks serving as the folks being served, and even that line isn’t so clear any more. Many of the folks helping to set up or donating food are unhoused or food insecure themselves. Some insist on “tipping” with a dollar to go toward supplies. Many of us who are housed and do have resources join in the meal to share in the ancient and deeply human connections forged by breaking bread together. We’ve become a place (or maybe an event?) where people know they can come and feel love and respect. Where the food they eat was lovingly prepared with pride, and the smiles and chit chat help everyone break out of the exhausting rush of our daily lives and share a moment of companionship. 

From day one, Vicky has taught me from her example that we can all do something. I am so glad she invited me out on Valentine’s Day, especially because I never could have imagined how big and meaningful it would become.