What is Oma’s Soep?
Oma’s Soep offers delicious fresh soups and meals based on grandma’s authentic recipes. This unique project brings together the charm of traditional cooking and a meaningful mission: the proceeds help make lonely elderly people happy. More than 50% of the profit from Oma’s Soep is donated to the Oma’s Soep Foundation against Loneliness, which organizes weekly activities in various cities across the country where young and old merge over a shared love for soup. It is a project that not only delights taste buds but also revives a sense of community and care for the elderly, all while staying true to grandma’s original recipes with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a can-do attitude… It truly is a celebration of nostalgia and social good.
Main Benefits of the Oma’s Soep Project
- Delicious fresh soups and meals made from authentic recipes.
- At least 50% of profits donated to tackling loneliness among the elderly.
- Weekly cooking days where young and old cook together.
- Active presence in 13 cities with the potential for even more expansion.
- B Corp certified with a score of 82.8, meeting high standards in social and environmental impact.
- A staunch commitment to preventing food waste through innovative reuse of leftover vegetables.
Authentic Recipes and Fresh Ingredients
The heart of Oma’s Soep lies in its authentic recipes from grandmas and grandpas, ensuring that every bowl is filled with tradition and quality. The soups and meals are prepared using fresh vegetables and herbs, which really makes them stand out among other food products. This delicious approach not only preserves the authenticity of traditional cooking but also ensures that every product is a healthy option. There is a delightful mix of passion and care in every step—from selecting ingredients to connecting communities over a warm bowl of soup… It feels like a little taste of home with every serving.
Social Impact and Combating Loneliness
Loneliness among the elderly is a growing concern, and Oma’s Soep tackles this head-on. The Oma’s Soep Foundation against Loneliness organizes weekly cooking days, where young volunteers join elderly people to cook soups (or stews) together at various locations. In addition, the project hosts Oma’s Soup-at-Home Days, where dedicated volunteers visit elderly individuals and deliver a warm, friendly bowl of soup along with a pleasant conversation. These heartwarming initiatives ensure that many lonely elders across the Netherlands experience the joy of social interaction and neighborly care… there’s a genuine effort to bridge the divide between generations, making the community a little bit cozier every week.
Sustainable Practices and Innovative Use of Leftovers
The initiative also places a strong emphasis on preventing food waste. During the cheerful cooking days for lonely elderly people, leftover vegetables collected from supermarkets and greengrocers are creatively transformed into fresh soups. This practice of turning what might be wasted into a nourishing meal is both environmentally sound and resourceful. It provides an innovative solution to food waste while ensuring that every ingredient serves a purpose. The use of leftover vegetables highlights an ongoing commitment to sustainability and proves that every bit counts, even if it comes in a slightly unexpected package… This approach represents a smart and caring strategy where nothing is wasted.
Project Impact and SDG Linkages
- Good Health and Well-Being
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Partnerships for the Goals
B Corp Commitment and Expansion
Oma’s Soep operates as a social enterprise consisting of a B.V. and the nationally operating Oma’s Soep Foundation. The B.V. produces and sells fresh soups and meals, and its products are even available in supermarkets. All the revenue generated goes back to making lonely elderly people happy. Currently active in 13 cities across the Netherlands, the program is poised to expand further, spreading structural coziness to more elderly individuals. The company’s commitment to social and environmental excellence is also demonstrated by its B Corp status, which joins it with over 8,000 fellow B Corps worldwide, including renowned names like Patagonia, Tony Chocolonely, Ben & Jerry’s, Innocent, and Dopper. This connection with international leaders in ethical business operations speaks volumes about the project’s values and aspirations. With every soup served, the impact grows, both in community spirit and in sustainable practices… Every bowl is a step toward a kinder, more connected future.
