Organic Soup Kitchen Meets Skyrocketing Demand for its Nutrient-Dense Soups
Nonprofit Serves Low-Income Seniors with Cancer or Chronic Illness
When COVID hit last March, the Organic Soup Kitchen (OSK) went into high gear to meet the skyrocketing demand for its nutrient-dense SoupMeals, which it has been delivering to those with cancer and chronic illness for the past 11 years. As referrals from partner agencies rose, OSK quickly transformed its operation from serving an average of 275 clients per week to 625 clients each week.
While the focus remains on those with degenerative disease, OSK announced last March that its services were available to anyone in the county. Nearly all clients remain low-income seniors with cancer or chronic illness. A sliding-scale fee program is used by 90 percent of clients, with the majority paying nothing or only a few dollars per month.
The immune-building nature of the SoupMeals has taken on added importance with COVID’s highly contagious, lethal nature. OSK’s primary focus, according to Executive Director Anthony Carroccio, has always been on strengthening the immune system, increasing energy, and promoting healing because its clients are the community’s most fragile members.
