OUR HISTORY
In 1990, a simple prayer: "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat" was delivered to a small youth group at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC led by Brad Smith, who was serving as a seminary intern at the time.
This gave birth to an idea. Why not harness the energy and enthusiasm of Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together for football, food and fun, to unite the nation for a higher good? Individuals and groups could collect dollars in soup pots and canned food for those in need and send every dollar and food donation DIRECTLY to a local charity of THEIR choice.
The first year, they invited 22 area churches to join the team and collected $5,700 with 100% of donations distributed to local-area charities.
That was 1990. Since then, Tackle Hunger, with its signature Souper Bowl of Caring event has become a national, grass-roots, youth-inspired movement where ordinary people are doing extraordinary good. Over $193 MILLION in dollars and food has been generated while benefiting thousands of soup kitchens, food banks, meal programs and other hunger-relief charities in local communities.
Thousands of participants including: churches, schools, youth groups, community partners, grocery partners, local businesses, media partners, NFL teams and passionate individuals have experienced for themselves, the joy and satisfaction of giving, serving and inspiring people across the country to follow their generous example.
Highlights + Headlines
Check out inspirational Souper Bowl of Caring stories, highlighting the history of Souper Bowl of Caring and the impact in communities across the country.
2020 - Celebrated 30 Years of Caring & Released the Tackle Hunger Map
Explore the MAP.
2019 - Over $9.6 Million Collected
Over $9.6 million collected in 2019.
"Souper Bowl of Caring includes local churches, schools collecting soup donations."
“It’s a service project, and it’s fun at the same time,” she said. “Anyone who’s homeless, elderly or anyone who’s hungry frankly can come in and get a free bowl of soup.”
Jonathan Weaver
"Los Angeles Rams Tackle Hunger"
Gianna Spiro
Panther Prowler - Feb. 8, 2019
“Recently, the Los Angeles Rams participated in the “Souper Bowl of Caring”, a national nonprofit aimed to use the energy surrounding the Super Bowl and transform it into a time of giving and caring for poverty and the food insecure.”
2018 - Over $8.2 million collected
Over $8.2 million collected in 2018.
Souper Bowl of Caring - "This Is Us Video"
Nov. 13th, 2018
2017 - Over $10.1 million collected
Over $10.1 million collected in 2017.
"Souper Bowl of Caring - 2017"
KUTV
Jan. 4, 2017
“Child poverty and hunger are reaching alarming levels in Utah. More than 170,000 Utah kids are eligible for free school breakfasts and lunches and another 50,000 are eligible for reduced cost meals.” Read More. View Video.
"Local Teen Serves Others Through the Souper Bowl of Caring"
Matt Vergara
KREM 2 CBS - Feb. 1, 2017
“Getting involved with the national youth advisory board was just another way for me to help out my local community. Since I was young, I’ve always worked with people in need. I’ve loved it. It’s been a really positive thing in my life. Whenever I get an opportunity to do something like this, I take it,” said Carson.”
2016 - Over $10.5 million collected
Over $10.5 million collected in 2016.
"Souper Bowl Aims to Help Hungry in Fox Valley"
The Beacon-News.
Chicago Tribune - Feb. 1, 2016
“For the last 10 years, the Fox Valley United Way has partnered with local grocery stores and student volunteers to bring the Souper Bowl of Caring to the Aurora area.”
"Souper Bowl of Caring in Columbia, SC"
Jan. 7, 2016
Mayor Steve Benjamin urges Columbia to help lead the fight against hunger and poverty this season. View Video.
"Tackle Hunger Visionary Award Brad Smith"
May 5, 2016
2015 - Over $8.6 million collected
Over $8.6 million collected in 2015.
"Souper Bowl of Caring Offers Help to Others"
Tribune Chronicle
Feb. 2, 2015
“Before the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots played the big game Sunday night, area children took advantage of Super Bowl-themed activities, including fundraisers to help the community. Many area churches held their annual Souper Bowl of Caringl, in which children pass around cooking pots and ask those attending services to donate to help local charities.” Read More.
2014 - Over $8.5 million collected
Over $8.5 million collected in 2014.
"SIU Players Help Contribute to Souper Bowl of Caring"
Chris Hottensen
The Southern Illinoisian - Feb. 2, 2014
“On the football field, Courtney Richmond and Anthony Thompson set their sights on taking the ball away, but the members of the SIU defensive secondary had giving back on their minds Saturday. Saturday morning, the Saluki football players were in front of Schnucks in Carbondale collecting money in a large cooking pot for Good Samaritan Ministries’ Souper Bowl of Caring.”
"Inspiring Leader: Houston Texas Owner Bob McNair Given Humanitarian Award for Super Hunger Fight"
Shelby Hodge
Culture Map - Oct. 1, 2014
“With a quarter century of raising funds for the nation's hungry under its belt, the Souper Bowl of Caring has just moved headquarters from Columbia, S.C., to Houston and in the process honors an H-Town hero with its first Tackling Hunger Humanitarian Award.”
2013 - Over $7.6 million collected
Over $7.6 million collected in 2013.
Souper Bowl of Caring - "Hunger Education Video"
Sept. 11, 2013
"Souper Bowl of Caring North Texas Kick Off"
FWISDNews
Jan. 15, 2013
Former TCU and NFL running back LaDainian Tomlinson headlined the Souper Bowl of Caring event at Fort Worth ISD's Tanglewood Elementary on Tuesday, January 15, and was joined by Superintendent Walter Dansby. This served as the official kickoff of the area's Souper Bowl of Caring campaign as Tanglewood students collect cans of food for the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
2012 - Over $9.9 million collected
Over $9.9 million collected in 2012.
"Souper Bowl of Caring Photobook Video"
April 24, 2012
"Souper Bowl of Caring Photobook Video"
April 24, 2012
A culmination of the 2012 Souper Bowl of Caring Tackle Hunger Photobook project. Participants were asked to print a basic "Tackle Hunger" sheet, decorate it with how they are personally tackling hunger in their community, and send us a picture of them holding it up. Music by Those Lavender Whales.
2011 - Over $9.6 million collected
Over $9.6 million collected in 2011.
"School Sets Record with Souper Bowl of Caring Drive"
Stephanie Lucero
CBS DFW - Jan. 13, 2012
“They know what it’s like to be champions in sports and the students of Coppell High School have also earned top honors when it comes to caring for others. The effort was clear in 2011 when students collected more food for needy families than any other campus in the country. Students did it as of a national effort called the Souper Bowl of Caring.”
2010 - Over $10.2 million collected
Over $10.2 million collected in 2010.
"20th Year Celebration Video"
2009 - Over $10.4 million collected
Over $10.4 million collected in 2009.
"Whittier 'Souper' Teen Raises Money for Community"
Sandra T. Molina
Los Angeles Daily News - Oct. 24, 2019
“We’re the future,” Manzanares said. “Age doesn’t define us; our actions do.” She is one of a 17-member national youth advisory board and the only one from California.” “During the summer, Manzanares traveled to South Carolina to meet with other board members. “They have the same need to help as I do,” Manzanares said. “It’s not only adults who should address problems, but our generation too.”
2008 - Over $10.3 million collected
Over $10.3 million collected in 2008.
"Souper Bowl Kicks Off at Reliant Stadium"
HoustonTexans.com
Jan. 14, 2008
“Three food retailers, a newspaper, four television stations, radio stations, and all of them want your attention, your support, your business. They compete,” Smith said at the kickoff event. “But by pulling all those letters together, they are forming an army that can mobilize the people of this great area to each give a little to help those that have less.”
"Show You Care This 'Souper Bowl'"
Aida Mallard
The Gainesville Sun - Jan. 31, 2008
“Just like the Patriots and the Giants are super heroes, we can be super heroes by helping the needy on this day and every day,” said Dr. Karen Cole-Smith, director of the Santa Fe Community College Outreach and the East Gainesville Initiative.
2007 - Over $8.1 million collected
Over $8.1 million collected in 2007.
2006 - Over $5 million collected
Over $5.0 million collected in 2006.
"Souper Bowl Seeks to Shut Out Hunger"
David Yonke
Toledo Blade - Feb. 4, 2006
"If we can get 10,000 youth groups, with an average of 10 kids in each one, that would be 100,000 young people helping local charities. It's a teachable moment," Mr. Smith said.
2005 - Over $40 million collected
Over $40 million collected in 2005.
"City Notes"
Daily Record Staff
Jax Daily Record - Jan. 27, 2005
During a presentation recognizing the Rev. Brad Smith, founder of a national Super Bowl related charity movement called the Souper Bowl of Caring, Councilman Warren Alvarez took a soup pot the organization uses to collect money and passed it around the room like an offering plate.
2004 - Over $4.1 million collected
Over $4.1 Million Collected in 2004.
Houston Texans owner, Bob & Janice McNair become first NFL owners to support Souper Bowl of Caring
Houston Texans Owners, Bob & Janice McNair become first NFL Owners to support Souper Bowl of Caring.
"Mrs. Bush's Remarks at Capital Area Food Bank's Souper Bowl of Caring"
President George W. Bush
The White House - Jan. 22, 2004
"First Lady Urges Super Bowl Charity"
Associated Press
Los Angeles Times - Jan. 23, 2004
“First Lady Laura Bush on Thursday encouraged football fans to spare $1 from their Super Bowl party budgets to help fight hunger and poverty. “Today we invite every American to take action,” Bush said, addressing youth volunteers at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington. “Let us transform Super Bowl Weekend into the biggest weekend of compassion in this country.”
"Feeding the Hungry: Now That's Super"
Don Pierson
Chicago Tribune - Jan. 30, 2004
“Said Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells: "I challenge every young person in Texas to become involved in the Souper Bowl of Caring. If your house of worship or school is not involved, get them involved."
2003 - Over $3.2 million collected
Over $3.2 million collected in 2003.
Daily Point of Light #2578
Jay Tennier
Dec. 23, 2003
In an age when division and dissension tear at the fabric of our society, Souper Bowl of Caring illustrates the wonderful possibilities that exist when we move beyond ourselves and work together in partnership with others.
"Cheering from The Pews"
Ellen Crean
CBS News - Jan. 17, 2003
2002 - Over $2.8 million collected
Over $2.8 million collected in 2002.
2001 - Over $3.2 million collected
Over $3.2 million collected in 2001.
2000 - Over $2.9 million collected
Over $2.9 million collected in 2000.
"Everyone Can Win on Souper Bowl Sunday"
Dear Abby Syndicated Columnist
Sun-Sentinel - Jan. 7, 2000
“Dear Brad Smith: I love the concept. I hope all my readers will encourage their congregations, schools, offices or businesses to participate. By giving $1, everyone will be a winner during Super Bowl 2000.”
1999 - Over $2.4 million collected
Over $2.4 million collected in 1999.
1998 - Over $1.5 million collected
Over $1.5 million collected in 1998.
1997 - Over $989,317 collected
$989,317 collected in 1997.
Souper Bowl of Caring breaks $1 million and gains 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status
Souper Bowl of Caring breaks $1 MILLION and gains 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
1996 - $737,611 collected
$737,611 collected in 1996.
1995 - $406,632 collected
$406,632 collected in 1995.
1994 - $270,628 collected
$270,628 Collected in 1994.
1993 - $144,000 collected
$144,000 Collected in 1993.
Churches and Schools from 36 states join in firstSouper Bowl of Caring national effort
Churches and schools from 36 states join in first Souper Bowl of Caring National effort.
1992 - $50,000 collected
$50,000 Collected in 1992.
1991 - $22,000 COLLECTED
$22,000 Collected in 1991.
1990 - 22 Churches in Columbia, SC and surrounding areas collect $5,700
22 churches in Columbia, SC and surrounding areas collect $5,700.
Inspired by a simple prayer
Inspired by a simple prayer:
"Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat."
Dr. Rev. Brad Smith, Founder