Spring Garden
Soup Society

Feeding the hungry in Philadelphia since 1852
 

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History

"Tending two large coal fires,
preparing vegetables and meat for soup pots,
baking loaves of bread from the barrels of flour given,
treating the long line of destitute people..."
(Excerpt from Society records)

Acting on a determination to supply food to the needy
in the Spring Garden section of Philadelphia,
a group of public-spirited volunteers
built and operated a soup house on Buttonwood Street
from 1853 until it closed permanently in 1932.



(photo of the Soup-House courtesy of Gene Becker)

Changing times made the direct distribution of food and fuel
to Philadelphia's poor a more practical solution.
This objective drew broad financial support
from individual donors as well as the city's business community.
Bread, milk, and coal were delivered regularly until 1960
when the Society began to focus exclusively on home milk distribution.
In the 1980's, again responding to practical realities in a changing world,
the Society began direct financial support of food service
provided by a range of organizations serving the citizens of Philadelphia.



To read more about the Society's early years
click here (a pdf document requiring Acrobat Reader).




We remain committed to the spirit of our founders' vision,
and invite tax-deductible donations from those who feel led
to support our commitment to feed the hungry.
For more information on how you can help
please click here.


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Questions or encouraging words are always welcome at
SpringGardenSoupSociety@verizon.net