The Soup Kitchen
42 Years of Community
The Soup Kitchen is the oldest, completely volunteer-run food resource for those experiencing hunger in Victoria. Our diners include seniors, low-income workers, those unhoused and anyone else living at risk.
Established in 1982
The Soup Kitchen Story
In 1982, after watching two men searching for food in a restaurant dumpster, founders Murray and Edna Black wondered how they could help the hungry in downtown Victoria. As there were no organizations dedicated to feeding those in need, they wanted to do something about it.
This was the beginning of The Soup Kitchen (although it was originally known as The 9–10 Club Serving Soup to the Hungry). The first meal, consisting of a hearty homemade soup, bread and butter, tea and coffee, was served on Friday, November 12, 1982.
Fresh, Nourishing Meals
Our Meal Service
The Soup Kitchen’s bagged meals are given out each weekday, including holidays, between 8:00 am and 10:00 am.
In addition to the soup, each bag is packed with a meat and cheese sandwich, yogurt, a hard-boiled egg, two fruits, a sweet, bottled water, and hot tea or coffee. For many diners, this is their main, and for some only, meal of the day.
a registered charitable organization
How We are Governed
Mission: The Soup Kitchen feeds those in need. After 41 years, the Society has remained true to its founders, Murray and Edna Black.
Vision: No one in Victoria is hungry.
The Soup Kitchen is a registered charitable organization in Canada (charitable registration number 132001553 RR0001) and a registered society in British Columbia (23789). A tax receipt will be issued for all donations.
A volunteer Board of Directors, elected to a 2-year term, provides financial stewardship and sets governing policies. Board members are passionate about the organization’s mission and building community in downtown Victoria. Many board members also volunteer in serving meals.
The Soup Kitchen celebrates diversity and is committed to a culture of inclusiveness and respect. This extends to our diners, volunteers, business and community partners.
Board Of Directors
Meet Our Board
Join Our Board
Send us an email at info@thesoupkitchen.ca if you want to learn more about joining our Board.
Email Us