More than 9,000 St. Johns County students rely on the free and reduced lunch program during the week, but often go hungry on weekends or during long school breaks. The SOUPer Bowl was created in 2015 to help fill the gap by providing food for children to take home.
SOUPer Bowl V is a service project for juniors enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program. However, other Academies lend support ― digital design students provide graphics to promote the event in print and online and hospitality students volunteer the night of the event to greet and direct guests.
“The goal is to raise awareness as well as money,” said Patti Ann Farrar, who has been a part of the event since SOUPer Bowl I in 2015.
A $25 ticket will give guests the opportunity to sample signature soups created by more than 20 local chefs in a tasting event from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at Nease High School in the cafeteria. Some of the soups served last year were charred Vidalia onion bisque with garlic chips and thyme oil, tomato puree with fire roasted eggplant and basil mousse, and a cold lemon raspberry soup with fruit mélange and chocolate.
As a memento from the event, each guest can choose a hand-crafted bowl made by a county student. Elementary, middle and high schools participate in the art project.
Since 2015, the event has raised more than $100,000. This year, the SOUPer Bowl is partnering with Hugs Across the County to help students in need. The purchase of 10 tickets, or $250, will feed one student for the entire year.
For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.StudentsTackleHunger.org.
