Spring Update!

by Suzanne DeYoung

As Spring appeared and then vanished again this week, I was reminded of the unpredictability of our daily life at La Soupe. Many people often ask, “Are you ever worried that there will come a time when there will be no food to rescue?” My answer always is, “I would be THRILLED if that meant food insecurity has been eliminated. Unfortunately, I am not optimistic that will happen in my lifetime. So yes, our approach to helping those in food insecurity is 100% reliant on the food we rescue. As we grow, it does become a concern, and we continue to look for more fresh produce and proteins on a larger scale. I am asking all of our followers and donors for any connections you may have to large-scale manufacturers who may have overages. We still receive from individual grocery stores, and we are more than appreciative of those rescues, but we are looking for larger co-packers, manufacturers, and warehouses. With our brand-new basement and expanded storage capacity, we can receive multiple pallets with ease…so if you have any connections, please share them with us!

Many of those who frequent our storefront to support us by purchasing our meals and soups have noticed our brand-new display case. As we have settled into Walnut Hills and watch as the neighborhood continues to develop, we are being more intentional about our offerings. When we first moved here, the scenario was “everything in our case also goes out the back door...with a ratio of 8% sold to 92% donated.” The longer we have been here, we are seeing a different way to maximize the food we rescue and transform. So many days, we rescue a few random 3 or 4 artichokes? Or perhaps a dozen Belgian endives? 1 leg of lamb? So, we have decided to highlight these rescues in our front case and offer them to those who come to support us. When you see our case and may wonder, “Why do they save food but add plastic to the landfill?” Most of our packaging is also rescued with the thought we should use it BEFORE it heads to the landfill. When there comes a time we run out, we would most definitely use compostable containers. Did you know we offer 50% off all soups to those living/working in the neighborhood, as well as 25% off the fresh case? It’s a great way to connect and get to know our neighbors, who are so appreciative of La Soupe.

We kicked off March with a collaborative event with Guinness Gives Back and the Joe Burrow Foundation. Yes, the MAN himself, Joey B., ladled soup, picked fresh herbs and supported the other volunteers with high fives. La Soupe gave Joe a pair of chainmail gloves (orange and black, of course!) in case he decided he wanted to chop carrots. We certainly did not want to be known as the place where Joe nicked his finger! We are partnering on a master plan to help Athens in a very big way, so stay tuned.

This last week of March, La Soupe has been very busy. As a past recipient of the prestigious National Jefferson Award, I always enjoy meeting the next honoree representing Cincinnati. I find it amazing knowing that in the past 17 years of this award being given, NINE were awarded to the Cincinnati nominee. I believe that speaks volumes about our Midwest city and the value of volunteerism. I hope this year's local winner, Bruce Kintner, and his great outreach, Samaritan Car Care, bring home the 10th National Award to our city. Our team was also honored as the Partner of the Year with Meals on Wheels Southwest Ohio. This partnership is a beautiful collaborative effort to bring medically tailored meals from La Soupe to be distributed by the incredible MOW team. Leaning into the strengths of each organization to better our city's housebound seniors with specific diet needs is having wonderful results for all.

Lastly, on March 27th we “Cut the Ribbon” on our expansion project into the basement. This expansion and the rerouting of volunteer car drop-offs and pickups are so smooth and efficient, more space to sort...and most importantly…more COLD STORAGE. What blows my mind is knowing that the new cold storage is the same footprint as the ENTIRE La Soupe Roundbottom location.

I will be headed to France in a few weeks to spend some much-needed time with my family there. Alsace is my happy place, the place I feel so connected to my father and his family. The beauty of the Vosges Mountains, hiking the countless trails, and simply enjoying the love of family are much needed to recharge my battery. À bientôt.