A retired Jonesboro woman is entering her third year of offering free soup each week to her community.
Debbie Johnson’s weekly soup giveaway resumed Wednesday, Nov. 10, and will continue every Wednesday evening through April. The effort takes place at Bill’s Fresh Market, located at the corner of Main Street and East Johnson Avenue, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Johnson, who funds the effort herself, explained that she spends each Wednesday preparing the homemade soup. She credits her faith and newfound time in retirement as the driving forces behind her initiative.
"It’s a mission God put on my heart to do," Johnson said. "And so, I’m retired now, and I have the time. So, everybody has to do a little bit in order to get a lot done."
Johnson shared that while she personally covers the cost of the ingredients, community members have occasionally stepped in with donations to support the effort.
"God provides," she noted. "I’ve had people come by and give me money to go toward the soup. And somehow it always fits in my budget."
The menu features a rotation of three types of soup: chicken noodle, vegetable, and potato. Each soup will be served on a weekly rotation, with chicken noodle kicking off the first week.
The event runs rain or shine and aims to provide a warm meal as the colder months approach. Local residents are encouraged to stop by and enjoy a bowl.
For additional information, or to help support the project, visit Bill’s Fresh Market during giveaway hours.
The giveaway is set to continue until April 2027.