Organic Soup Kitchen

“ A cheerful heart is good medicine, but not on an empty stomach” is an apropos Thai proverb that lights the way for Anthony Carroccio as he ventures along the occupational (and metaphysical) path that he started upon a decade ago.

Times were tough then, in the midst of the recession, and people were in need of sustenance. Emotional. Spiritual. Nutritional. Anthony saw the need, felt the pain and decided that, while he might not be able to provide help for all that ails the world, or the community, he could at least provide food— with nothing being more nourishing than organic soup. And, thus began Organic Soup Kitchen.

Anthony started with helping the often-forgotten members of our community: the homeless and the veterans, who many times were one and the same. Word spread and those who were in need began to venture forth out of the shadows of humiliation to seek help and support. Community members who for years had asked themselves “How can I help?” finally saw a way that they could.

Organic Soup Kitchen (OSK) began working with an inspired volunteer force and partnering with organizations such as Doctors Without Walls to bring good medicine and good food to the streets. OSK put together Christmas and Thanksgiving events, welcoming every member of the community to come share delicious soups, additional donated food, contributed gifts and a little bit of humanity.

There are not many places you can find local celebrities, teachers, millionaires, business people, politicians and the homeless sitting with one another, sharing stories and laughs as equals. Proof that the power of food brings people together.

OSK began to grow, as did the needs of the community. A board was formed to expand the mission and manage the logistics of growing from 4,000 servings per year in 2009 to over 100,000 per year currently… and growing. People from a wide variety of fields came together, bringing their life experiences and expertise along with a willingness to help. “The factors all our board members have in common is that they are all business people with a heart full of compassion—what we find rare in today’s divisive climate,” notes Anthony.

Another branch to Anthony’s path was added when a call came in from an oncology nurse at the Cancer Center. The nurse asked if OSK could purée some of their organic nutrientdense soups for a patient suffering with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing solids). “Originally, I replied that we didn’t do that. Then we thought about it, and made the delivery,” he said. In the weeks after that first initial fulfillment, OSK learned that there were many low-income individuals in our community undergoing treatment for cancer, battling the disease without having the resources to afford the quality nutrition that OSK produces and distributes. OSK now delivers to over 200 of those individuals.

There are no diets that, as of yet, have proven to prevent cancer but there are clinically based nutritional requirements that need to be met to help boost the immune system, a very important component in dealing with a cancer prognosis. Organic, plant-based and with healthy fats all meet the guidelines and all are found in the ingredients that OSK uses for their soups—high-quality herbs and spices, organic whole grains, organic coconut oils and milk and organic vegetables. They use local sources for the produce and a local supplier to obtain the organic coconut oils and milk from Thailand. The non-irradiated herbs and spices are from Portland, Oregon, and come with a certification of their nutritional value.

Although the soups—such as the popular varieties Coconut Curry Lentil, Split Pea and Summer Squash—are delicious, they are formulated with the nutritional value as the highest concern. “If a cancer patient can only get a few spoonfuls of soup down per day, they better count,” Anthony says.

In order to handle the large volume of food for clients with fragile immune systems and without using harmful preservatives or additives, OSK had to use hermetically sealed packaging to extend the shelf life organically. The “bag” of soup might not look as familiar as a round can or container, but the soothing deliciousness is just as welcome.

With meal production growing and services expanding due to need, OSK has embarked upon a capital campaign to move into larger facilities—a cancer relief “hub.” They seek headquarters that will provide work/office space and storage areas for both dry and perishable goods. They also need a multipurpose conference room in which they can hold community classes and informational sessions with their many partners, including Cottage Hospital, Ridley Tree Cancer Center, Sansum Clinic, Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, American Red Cross and American Cancer Society.

They are also planning to create a full production kitchen that can serve as a disaster relief kitchen with a diesel generated system in times of need. During the devastating Thomas Fire and the Montecito Debris Slide last year, OSK found themselves providing emergency soup and other items to both the victims of the disasters and the emergency responders.

A decade. Ten years. Throughout history the meaning of numbers played a major part in beliefs and 10 has held a powerful hold on symbolism. Pythagoreans believed that 10 was the holiest of numbers and took their oaths by it. In Tarot, the 10 card is the Wheel of Fortune, symbolizing the beginning of a new cycle. This year, OSK will honor their 10 years with a series of public events through the year to celebrate a new beginning, with new challenges, new headquarters and a continued oath to serve the community.

And what has Anthony learned about himself these past 10 years serving others? “The last 10 years of my life would never have been so wonderful if it wasn’t for the wonderful people in my life.” And what inspires the man who inspires so many here locally? “Inspiration comes to me when I speak to someone who is fighting cancer. All the facade of daily propaganda as fallen away, and I find myself speaking with their soul.”

Another Thai proverb could aptly apply to his life: “Do not live as if you were to die tomorrow. Live as if every person you meet were to die tomorrow.”

Namaste, Anthony. Namaste.

by Jill Johnson

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSHUA CURRY