Food is a basic human need. However, ten percent of the U.S. population lacks access to adequate food because of limited income or other resources. Food insecurity is a problem in the world, in the United States, and in our community. The Community Soup Bowl, located in the heart of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has served meals to the homeless and needy  for more than 30 years. The Soup Bowl offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and a hot lunch every weekday and most weekends. 

Because of the generosity of local restaurants, the Soup Bowl spends about $3 for each plate served. In 2020, the Soup Bowl almost 57,000 hot meals to the hungry in Tuscaloosa. 

The Soup Bowl is partially funded by donations from the five founding churches: First African Baptist, First Baptist, Christ Episcopal, First Presbyterian, and First United Methodist. Other churches and civic organizations provide additional volunteers and funding. Individual donations account for about 65% of the Soup Bowl’s budget. Your gift of any amount is helpful. Donations of canned goods and stables such as rice are also welcomed. Your generous donation will provide a nutritious meal to someone who might otherwise go hungry. 

Soup Bowl activities (preparing the food and serving it) are handled by a small staff and many volunteers. Consider giving some of your time to the Soup Bowl. When you volunteer, you make a difference in someone’s life. Getting to know those with less privilege allows you to view life from a different perspective. Volunteering at the Soup Bowl is a way to demonstrate love for your neighbor.

The Community Soup Bowl is a 501(c)3 (nonprofit) organization.