Self Management in the Community 2025 finalist – Food Solidarity ‘Soup’erheroes

“Their mission is to fight food poverty, tackle isolation and discrimination and unite the community through grassroots action.”

The Food Solidarity ‘Soup’erheroes was established four years ago in response to community need during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Their mission is to fight food poverty, tackle isolation and discrimination and unite the community through grassroots action. In the beginning they had no premises to work from, so they went out into the streets around Castlemilk, in all kinds of weather, sharing out their fresh soup. The founders shared the idea behind their name – “we call ourselves soup’erheroes not because we see ourselves as having powers or anything special, but the name represents the community coming together and sharing from the same pot of soup.” Their work is fully integrated into the local community – their Love and Solidarity Hub is open to anyone, they have hot food served at long tables so that no one sits alone, they provide clothing and footwear to those who need it, they host skill share workshops bringing the community together to teach and learn new skills, they hold Seasonal Festivals inviting organisations and projects within the community to share their resources, support and services and they have frequent curry karaoke nights. The founders are proud that their “events bring together a diverse group of people from the local community and that is exactly what Castlemilk is all about”

They work closely with, and have built strong relationships with, the statutory sector. They have great support from local councillors, strong links with local Community Link Workers and work closely with various community projects such as Childcare Project, Castlemilk Money and Law Centre, Castlemilk Youth Complex, local housing associations and many more.

They have faced challenges along the way as in the beginning they struggled to find land for a container they could work from, but luckily due to a unit being vacant, they have a space in The Braes shopping centre, free of charge. But this won’t always be available and although every month they have use of it is a bonus, the future of their location is uncertain. They are determined to continue supporting the community, “we will be back on the streets sharing food. It won’t stop us, but it will take away our space for the community to come together and build relationships with each other.”

Their hope going forward is to secure a permanent space so that they can keep doing what they are doing and provide a safe space for people in the community to gather, share and connect. “We hope that the next generation will take the reins and continue to push forward and build on the work we have done and continue with our ethos of love and solidarity for all.”

You can read all Connected Communities case studies here: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/blog/case_studies/?projects=connected-communities