Soup's On

In 1999, Rosie Wenzlaff, a devoted member of Roberts Park United Methodist Church, noticed a heartbreaking reality — homeless individuals near the church were left hungry on Sundays, as nearby shelters didn’t offer a noon meal. These individuals, often seen wandering downtown Indianapolis, searched or begged for something to eat.

At that time, data revealed over 1,000 men, women, and children were homeless in Indianapolis, with the majority concentrated in the downtown Mile Square — where Roberts Park is located. This realization sparked the creation of Soup’s On, a ministry dedicated to feeding those in need every Sunday at noon.

A Growing Need in 2024

Today, the need is even greater. The 2024 Point in Time Count reported 1,701 individuals experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis — a 5% increase over 2023. This growing crisis is visible every Sunday at Soup’s On.

Each week, Soup’s On serves a diverse group of individuals, many of whom face similar challenges:

70% are unhoused and unemployed

10% have jobs and homes but remain food insecure

5% work but lack housing

15% have homes but no jobs, often relying on disability, social security, or unemployment benefits

More Than Just a Meal

For over 25 years, Soup’s On has been a refuge every Sunday from noon to 1 PM at Roberts Park United Methodist Church (401 N. Delaware Street). The program is open to anyone in need of a warm, nourishing meal.

Meals range from protein rich casseroles to hearty plates of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Guests often also receive a second meal to-go and/or a cold sack lunch with water, fresh fruit, and a snack or dessert for later.

Before the pandemic, Soup’s On served between 250-300 people every Sunday. While the pandemic shifted the landscape — nearby missions began providing Sunday lunches, which continue today — the program still welcomes 125-150 guests weekly. Many attendees continue to live on the streets, bringing unique challenges and opportunities for compassion to the lunch room.

Beyond Food—Serving the Whole Person

Soup’s On extends its mission beyond the lunch table, helping guests with practical needs and emotional support:

Filled Backpacks in December: Each year, guests receive filled backpacks during December, funded by the Lilly Endowment’s Holiday Assistance Grant. These backpacks provide essentials and a sense of holiday cheer.

Transportation Assistance: Thanks to the IndyGo Foundation, bus passes are distributed to guests, though demand often exceeds supply due to the high need for reliable transportation.

Winter Essentials: Church groups contribute by organizing drives — one group recently provided gloves in December, while another hosted a coat drive the previous year, ensuring guests stay warm during the harsh winter months.

Emergency Supplies: Basic necessities like socks and hygiene products are kept in a pantry for guests who need them, addressing critical gaps in daily care.

How the Community Can Help

Running Soup’s On each Sunday requires a team of 6-10 volunteers alongside a part-time Soup’s On Director. Volunteers are the backbone of this ministry, helping to serve guests with kindness and dignity. This is a community effort — many Sundays during the year are hosted by local churches, service groups, and independent groups made up of family members and friends. Other Sundays are staffed with volunteers from Roberts Park UMC as well as individuals from the community. Food for Soup’s On is provided thanks to volunteer groups, financial donors, and participation in the food rescue program at Second Helpings. 

Because everyone deserves a warm meal — and the compassion that comes with it.