The Penticton Soupateria was started in 1986 through an ecumenical group that saw a need for providing a hot meal to those in need. It was located in an old kitchen on the lower level of St Saviour’s Anglican church. The Soupateria group struggled to survive and overcame a variety of obstacles to become a registered British Columbia Society with charitable tax status in February 1995.
While the Soupateria continued to operate in this old kitchen, there were serious concerns about plumbing problems, lack of space for adequate food preparation and service as well as maintaining health standards. As a result, a committee was formed to take on fundraising and, with the generous contributions of the local Rotary Club, the South Okanagan Community Foundation, the Vancouver Foundation and many individual donors, the new Soupateria building became a reality.
On September 6, 2003, the Soupateria officially opened its doors and has been serving a hot lunch to anyone in need for 365 days each year.