Sharing soup and goodwill

WARM and comforting, there is no denying the joy of cradling a steaming bowl of soup on a winter’s day – and communal organisation Mazon is determined to ensure that no one should go without.

While it began with a Shavuot Appeal, the initiative has grown into #MazonSoupShare, a response to families in need underscored by the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Speaking with The AJN, Mazon Australia chair Ellen Frajman explained the original plan was to encourage congregations and organisations to come together to make soup which would be donated to soup kitchens.

“[But] like so many other organisations, we had to pivot and encourage people to cook soup in their own homes and share with family, friends and neighbours.

“We felt that there were many families who wanted to cook their own food, but couldn’t afford the fresh vegetables or were unable to leave their homes to shop,” she said. 

And thus Mazon soup share bags were born, packages of fresh vegetables together with a recipe required to make wholesome soup.

So far, more than 300 bags have been supplied to organisations including Pekelach, Jewish Care Victoria, National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Vic)’s Golden Age Club, Hope Co-Op, Temple Beth Israel’s Project Dignity Crisis Relief, and the Salvation Army, who then delivered the bags of goodness to their clients.

Caulfield MP David Southwick also assisted in delivering soup share bags to the Australian Muslim Social Services Agency and the Australian African Association for distribution to families in lockdown in the housing towers.

Mazon Australia allocates donations to prevent and alleviate hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds. It was founded with the core belief that in a world of plenty, hunger and malnutrition should not exist. 

Reflected Frajman, “It has been heartwarming to hear how much our soup bags have been appreciated by the families who received them.”

The #MazonSoupShare project will continue throughout August when the Sukkot virtual Mazon bag appeal will then commence. To donate, visit mazonaustralia.org/shavuotsoupappeal.