Rancho Bernardo church to host ‘Souper Bowl’ food drive

The “Souper Bowl” is returning to Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church this weekend.

The 16th annual local food collection drive — officially running through Feb. 12 — is timed to coincide with the Super Bowl on Sunday.

The food drive is part of a nationwide effort that was inspired by a prayer said in 1990 by a seminary intern at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Brad Smith reportedly said, “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,” according to the national organization.

The Souper Bowl of Caring food drive, held in conjunction with the Super Bowl, has since spread nationwide. Last year, $10,521,796 in cash and food items were collected nationally by 6,897 participating groups, which helped 5,138 charities, per the souperbowl.org website.

Shelly King, coordinator of the RB church’s food drive, said last year it collected 5,833 food items and raised $3,638. Its involvement over the last 15 years has resulted in a collection of 69,465 food items and $50,640.

Everything donated through the church’s project is divided among two charities — Presbyterian Urban Ministry in downtown San Diego and Interfaith Community Services in Escondido.

King said the bulk of non-perishable food and monetary donations will come in during the weekend. Community members can drop off their donations during the 6 p.m. church service on Saturday, Feb. 4 and between 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. The church is at 17010 Pomerado Road.

Those unable to make it over to the church this weekend can also leave their donations at the church’s Welcome Center between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 12.

In lieu of food, cash and checks can also be sent to the church or dropped off. Checks need to be written to “RBCPC” with “Souper Bowl” on the memo line. Cash is to be in an envelope with “Souper Bowl” written on it. Mail donations to RBCPC, 17010 Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA 92128.

King said that during last weekend’s church services the congregation received reusable bags to fill with food. Those who would like to pick up a bag they will return filled may stop by the church to request one. Or they may bring food over without a bag and just place it in the designated bins.

She said this is a multi-generational project at the church, with several ministries and groups involved. This includes its Carpenter’s Fellowship, preschool, middle school ministry, Arabic congregation and Boy Scout Troop 680. King estimated it will involve 60 to 70 volunteers doing various tasks.

King has been involved with the Souper Bowl project for seven years. “I really enjoy volunteering and this is one of the things I can do,” she said. “On a day when we (as a nation) are consuming mass quantities of food, this is a way to give to those that don’t have regular meals.”

email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com