What is a SOUP CLUB again?

What is a Soup Club and where are they located?

Soup clubs are places where hungry children are guaranteed to get at least one meal a day. They are set up in some of the poorest townships and shack towns in the Eastern Cape Region of South Africa.

Who runs the Soup Club?

Oceans of Mercy oversees the management, supplies and accountability for each Soup Club. The day-to-day administration of the Soup Club and making of the soup is done by a Mama*. The Mamas are local ladies that we seek out that are already trying to make a difference in their community. We then enable them to do more by providing the resources of a Soup Club.

*Mama is a title of honor given to an older lady that is respected in the community.

What do the children get?

Six days a week (Monday – Saturday) the Mamas prepare a large pot of split pea soup (different flavors are created with a variety of soup stock) and serve each child a cup or bowl of soup. We have developed relationships with local stores and from time-to-time they donate bread and fruit for us to hand out to the children.

Which children get fed?

In order to qualify to be in the soup club the child must not be getting regular daily meals. Also, when soup is being served the youngest children are served first and then the older kids. Because of the amount of people that would show up it is necessary to have a cut off age of 18.

How much does it cost?

The first month of Soup Club cost $200. This is for the initial set up cost and for the first month of food. After this the amount is $100 a month for the first 50 kids and $80 for each additional 50 kids.

What does the setup buy?

2 Burner Gas Stove
Gas Hose
Gas Regulator
Gas Cylinder Deposit (x2)
Gas Cylinder Fills (x2)
21 Lt. Cooking Pot
Large Metal Spoon (x2)
Metal Ladle
2 - 1kg Iodated Table Salt
16 - Top Class Soup Gravy Mix (Various Flavors)
2 - 24 pack Oxtail Stock Cubes
2 - 50g Rajah Curry Powder (Mild & Spicy)
2 - 2L Sunlo Pure Cooking Oil
20 - 500g bags of Split Peas
20 - Medium Onions (around 1.4kg)
20 - 750g bags of Carrots
2 - 10kg bag of Potatoes
1 - 9kg gas refill
The above list is for 50 kids. If there is more than 50 kids we double it or triple it depending on the total. The gas refill only has to be done once a month.

What does the monthly food cost buy?

The total cost in dollars breaks down to about six cents per bowl of soup. This price drops a little when you add more kids to an existing Soup Club.
Number of Kids per Week 50
Weekly Cost per Soup Kitchen (Rand) 120
Number of days per week 6
Cost per kid per day (Rand) R 0.40
Cost per kid per day (Dollars) $0.06

May I choose my Soup Club?

If you want to choose a specific Soup Club we will gladly contact you and let you know which ones are available and the story behind them and the Mama running it.

How often does Oceans of Mercy check up on the Soup Club?

We are in constant contact with the Mamas running the Soup Clubs and try to visit every Soup Club at least once a week. We have set up accountability at every level to make sure the right children are being fed and that everyone is doing their job.

Do we receive updates on our Soup Club?

We will gladly let you know how things are going at your Soup Club. We will email photos of the soup club on a regular basis so you can see the change in the children as they consistently get a healthy meal. It also gives you a chance to share with others the work that is being done here in South Africa.

How can I do something special for my Soup Club?

While we discourage sending presents for the children, if you would like to donate extra funds for the purchase of bread, fruit or sweeties (candy) we will gladly pass that on to your Soup Club. Simply attach a note to any extra funds explaining where you would like the funds designated.

How do I donate funds for the Soup Club?

You may pay monthly, quarterly or annually.
Send check to : Oceans of Mercy
Attn: Soup Club
P.O. Box 860143
Shawnee, KS 66286-0143
Put in the Memo field: Soup Club

Comments

[alece]

way to spell.it.out.

praying for an overflow of blessings...

[mandy]

Those are beautiful faces. I can't wait to show Cyra.

[rachel vaughn]

I'm at work and having split pea soup for lunch. Of course my canned soup is way more expensive than it should be, but it tastes about as good as the South African soup club version and makes me think of you and those kids :-)

[hypotheek forum]

I think it is actually mood elevating site with great report. Yes, you are doing absolutely fine job.