Doing the Good: Souper Bowl Sunday
“Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat.”
The first Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990 with this simple prayer offered by Rev. Brad Smith of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Twenty-two churches raised $5,700 in that first year. (The teams that played in the Super Bowl XXIV on Jan. 28, 1990 were the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos, with the 49ers winning the game 55-10.)
The Souper Bowl of Caring has now grown to include businesses, schools, churches, and congregations of all faiths, raising more than $163 million in monetary and food donations. This annual effort has garnered national attention, securing partnerships with NFL teams, in addition to finding advocates in former President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush and former President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. In 2025, groups across the U.S. collected more than $21,858,000 in food and donations, benefiting more than 2,100 charities and nonprofits. For more, visit tacklehunger.org.
According to Village Church lore, Souper Bowl Sunday began as an annual food drive Jan. 31, 1988—before the official idea launched in South Carolina and elsewhere. (The 1988 Super Bowl, aka Super Bowl XXII, featured the Washington Redskins [now the Commanders] and the Denver Broncos, with the Redskins winning 42-10.)
Our Food Pantry, which has been operating at 99th St. and Mission Rd. since 1998, has been keeping up the tradition ever since. Dennis Cobb, director of the Food Pantry since 2022 (pictured above), says, “I have been aware of the national Souper Bowl effort since its inception. Other churches I’ve been associated with over the years have participated in this source of donations for pantries they supported. So, when I took the position of director, I was very pleased to learn that I didn’t have to introduce the idea to Village Church. A can of soup—especially the hearty or chunky varieties—can be a meal for those who suffer from food insecurity. The pantry volunteers and I look forward to stocking the shelves with the cans that you donate. And our neighbors in need will benefit from your generosity!”
Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 will be the next Super Bowl. When making plans, please consider supporting Souper Bowl Sunday. Look for donation points at church entrances as well as opportunities to give a financial gift if you would prefer to have the pantry staff do the shopping. Thank you!