Jordan Wilcox
Assistant Publisher
The familiar aroma of simmering soup will soon fill the fellowship hall at the Holy Family Catholic Church as Decatur’s long-running Soup Suppers return for another season. The community tradition, now more than two decades old, raises funds for the Decatur Human Services Pantry while bringing neighbors together over a hot meal.
The 2025–26 schedule begins Friday, October 10, with First Baptist Church sponsoring the evening meal. Other sponsors include Green Dance, Decatur Schools, Emmanuel Church of God, Decatur Bible Church, the Presbyterians, and Holy Family. Each supper runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m., with tickets held at $5—a price that has remained unchanged since 2017 despite rising food costs.
Diners can expect a choice of three soups, chili, salad, bread, drinks, and a spread of desserts. Seconds are encouraged, and takeout is available. Some suppers will feature special menus, such as the VFW’s offerings of chili, chicken noodle, French onion, and potato soup.
The effort has been sustained through years of change. In the early 2010s, as many as 17 groups participated in the rotation, including youth organizations and civic clubs. Today, fewer groups remain active due to the labor and expense of preparing large batches of soup, though organizers emphasize that the spirit of service continues.
Since 2011, the Holy Family Catholic Church has opened its doors free of charge to host the meals, ensuring the suppers’ survival after the Decatur Township pantry moved facilities. Volunteers Dan and Kathy Northrup are among those who handle much of the setup, cooking, and cleanup, while longtime organizer Jan Roeder credits the generosity of both helpers and attendees for keeping the suppers going.
Crowds often arrive as soon as the doors open, with most seats filled by 4:45 p.m. Although some suggest longer hours, organizers note that the early schedule allows volunteers to finish by evening’s end and still catch local events.
For many, the suppers are just as much about fellowship as they are fundraising. Residents from surrounding towns return year after year, while loyal regulars consider it a tradition. With bowls of soup and fresh bread shared across tables, the gatherings remain a cornerstone of Decatur’s community spirit.
The season will conclude on May 1, 2026, with a supper hosted by the Holy Family Catholic Church.
