[HTML1]Anthony Carraccio founded Organic Soup Kitchen two years ago. This past Thanksgiving, they served over 1000 people and anticipate more this Christmas. Anthony’s goal is to give people a sense of belonging and respect by enjoying a healthy meal with others.
So what’s so different about this soup kitchen? First of all, they serve only organic food specially prepared for addressing multiple health issues as well as the nutritional needs of vulnerable people who get very little food let alone healthy food. They serve pregnant mothers, frail seniors, homeless and those who have or are losing hope. They work with other out-reach groups and work in partnership with for-profit food suppliers and organic farmers. Foods are made with high quality, low glycemic index, high mineral content and low saturated fat ingredients.
Second, they teach and certify people to manage the operations of a kitchen. Those who have completed certification through the 12-week program know how to make good, nutrient dense food and are well-qualified and skilled to work in commercial kitchens.
In addition, Organic Soup Kitchen cans their delicious and healthy soups for selling out of the kitchen, at farmers’ markets, from retailers and online. Plus they provide catering services. They are creating a sustainable business model to prepare for helping a growing number of people. By creating a scalable business model, it can be replicated in communities across the United States.
Here in the US, as every minute ticks by, poverty and malnourishment takes its toll on America:
• Each year, roughly 30,000 premature/low weight babies die.
• More than 17 million children are hungry, growing sicker, more depressed and hopeless every day.
• Over 3 million impoverished seniors wither and weaken.
To accomplish their goals, the largest expense for Organic Soup Kitchen is a customized commercial kitchen of their own. They currently borrow the use of other licensed kitchens. To proceed with the training programs, soup canning and increased sales, they need their own kitchen.
Using the large canning pressure cookers and soup pots requires a special lower-height stove in order to safely reach and move the huge pots. Anthony Carraccio, having been in construction before, will be able to keep contracting costs low. However, the funding is needed this Christmas to assure the kitchen in 2012.
Anthony is committed to seeing this program succeed locally AND in other communities across the USA to serve the growing number of vulnerable people. Because of his desire to serve as many people as possible, he has made his personal phone number available for people from any community to call for his help in developing a program in their own community. To get his contact information, visit the Organic Soup Kitchen’s website. Join their Facebook page and tell others about this wonderful, sustainable program to help people who are losing hope. Donate, if you can, to build their kitchen.
Take action this holiday season to help others. This program is a great one to help. Tell your friends, and bring others to listen to this episode. Visit our own Social Impact Marketing Facebook page to discuss this episode and others.
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