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Soupfest: A Food Competition With Impact

Summer Arsenault , , ,

Fredericton-Whether you’re craving something warm or wanting to take part in the community, United Way’s Soup Festival allows you to do both. Sixteen chefs from all over the city competed for the best soup of the day. All proceeds go directly into the United Way Community Fund, which focuses on the unignorable issues such as poverty, hunger, education, and more.

Roxana Atkinson wearing her Unignorable Campaign shirt next to a United Way member.     (Summer Arsenault/STU Journalism)

Organizer, Roxana Atkinson, continues to share their message to the public.

“The United Way is not just the staff and board; it’s our whole community- we are all united. Our motto of ‘give, act, volunteer’ drives our work. We invest in programs that genuinely make a difference in people’s lives. These chefs are competing for the most unignorable soup, which aligns with our unignorable campaign. It’s not okay to ignore ongoing issues,” said Atkinson.

The goal was to engage local businesses and social enterprises in this challenge, shine a spotlight on their talent, and raise the profile of United Way among the community. In the middle of winter, attendees got to warm up with many different flavoured soups and vote on their favourites.

Volunteers working the 50/50 booth. (Summer Arsenault/STU Journalism)

People received voting papers and wooden spoons when they arrived. They were asked to reuse their spoons or provide their own bowls and spoons to promote a green environment. To Atkinson, it is important to organize environmental-friendly events.

From coat-check, to 50/50, all money donated went towards improving the community.

Soup called “Surf N’ Turf.” (Summer Arsenault, STU Journalism)

 

 

 

 

“I’ve never really heard of other communities doing something quite like this, but I think it’s just such a great way to diversify and connect the community. It’s my second year attending, and I ended up skipping class for this, but sometimes it’s more important to get involved in your community and understand the issues going on around us,” said student, Rachel de Molitor.

Whether you’re young or old, SoupFest compliments all ages and all dietary needs.

United Way has many upcoming plans to promote change. As soup-er as today? I guess you’ll have to wait and see!