soup Ô Potes: Nourishing Angoulême, One Bowl at a Time
For over a decade, the Soup Ô Potes association has been a vital source of community and nourishment in Angoulême, France. Every year, around 100 people gather to share a warm, freshly-made soup, a testament to the power of collective effort and simple kindness.
The operation is a well-coordinated one. Each afternoon, a dedicated volunteer collects unsold vegetables from the Biocoop store in Soyaux – a partnership that has flourished for 12 years.These donations, typically valued between 40 and 50 euros, are supplemented by additional vegetable contributions from Biocoop during special events.
By 5 p.m., a team of volunteers convenes at the Rives de Charente social center in the Saint Cybard district. There, they peel, chop, and prepare the soup, ensuring it’s ready for distribution between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
But Soup Ô Potes offers more than just a meal. Co-presidents Brigitte Barussaud and Fabrice, alongside two other leaders, emphasize the profound sense of solidarity the organization fosters. “She forces the meeting of the other by giving him some consideration,” they explain, highlighting the human connection at the heart of their work.
The impact of this connection is powerfully illustrated by the story of Jean-Luc Godet,a former employee and union activist.He found a lifeline in the soup during a tough period in his life. Now, Jean-Luc gives back, volunteering his time to help with Wednesday evening distributions.
The Soup Ô Potes gatherings are notable for their diverse audience, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers and recipients alike contribute their skills, enthusiasm, and good humor, creating a relaxed yet organized atmosphere filled with lively conversation and conviviality. As Brigitte, Fabrice, and Jean-Luc attest, it’s often the unspoken connections – “sometimes it is the looks that mark the most” – that truly define the spirit of Soup Ô Potes: giving heart to the stomach, and building a stronger community in Angoulême.
