St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church’s fourth annual Soup-er Bowl food drive runs through Feb. 5.After ringing in the new year, donations to local nonprofits often wane. Members of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church are hoping to make a difference as what’s typically the coldest month of the year hits.
The church is hosting its fourth annual Soup-er Bowl food drive through Feb. 5.
“We tend to focus on reaching out to others around Thanksgiving and the stretch of holidays through the end of the year, but then tend to think of other things at the start of the year,” St. Francis rector, the Rev. Lou Parsons, said. “So that wonderful play on the Super Bowl that everyone is getting excited about is a great way to inspire people to give.”
Part of a national movement, St. Francis’ Soup-er Bowl benefits The Samaritan Center’s food pantry, which gave away 46,416 food items to families in need in 2016.
Monthly, the Ooltewah food pantry provides meals to 12-18 families, said Samaritan Center Communications Director Eddie Schwisow. And the center’s emergency food program and Sack Pack program for students provide nutrition for many more.