Who We Are
Since 2009, Organic Soup Kitchen has been passionately crafting medicinal-qualitySoupMeals from scratch. We clinically formulate medically tailored recipes and collaborate closely with local farms and purveyors to source premium ingredients, meticulously hand-chopping produce and slow-roasting veggies to create our signature, nourishing SoupMeals. Each recipe is a powerhouse of 10-20 cancer and chronic illness fighting ingredients designed to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing— all without added sugar, preservatives, or fillers.
We take pride in our sustainable practices, procuring and stabilizing thousands of pounds of excess fresh organic produce, thus reducing food waste and minimizing our carbon footprint. Our efforts extend beyond our kitchen; in 2023, we launched a new Distribution & Education Center to enhance our capacity and community impact.
Every week, our dedicated team and over 50 volunteer drivers and community partner agencies deliver thousands of SoupMeals directly to homes. This service is crucial for individuals, particularly those recovering from cancer or chronic illness, who face challenges such as fatigue or mobility issues. Our deliveries provide not only nourishment but also a friendly, compassionate interaction, often being the only contact our clients have during the week.
Our Mission
Organic Soup Kitchen provides metabolic oncology nutrition and food security to support the health and wellness of low-income seniors and other individuals with cancer or chronic illness.
We are a small-but-mighty team of 5 staff members and nearly 100 volunteers and community agency and farm partners that share a vision where everyone in Santa Barbara County has access to clean, whole food nutrition.
Social Enterprise
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Organic Soup Kitchen operates with a commitment to efficiency and accountability. With a persistent demand for premium nutrition in our community, we've adopted an innovative nonprofit social enterprise model. By selling soups at full price to those who can afford it, we reinvest those funds to further our mission to support low-income residents. This sustainable approach not only expands our impact but also fosters a community of loyal supporters.
Ethics and Values
Throughout our 14 years as a leader in health and nutrition in Santa Barbara County, we've maintained a steadfast commitment to integrity and transparency. Holding a GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, we pride ourselves on achieving the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our operations never compromise the quality of our offerings or our nonprofit status. Our resolve has carried us through economic downturns and natural disasters, establishing us as a trusted pillar in the community. Organic Soup Kitchen stands firmly for equality and upholds the highest standards of legality and ethical conduct.
We uphold the law to the fullest extent of a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with a full Board of Directors and regulated executive staff. Our organization avoids conflict of interest, as we do not participate in any political, religious, financial, commercial, private, or otherwise personal interests for organizational benefit.
Our Story
Founded by the husband and wife team, Anthony Carroccio and Andrea Slaby, Organic Soup Kitchen has deep roots in the Santa Barbara community. As active contributors to local wellness and sustainability initiatives, Anthony and Andrea bring their passion for health and community service to every SoupMeal they craft.
The labor of love began in 2009 amid the recession, as the couple witnessed the community struggling. Starting with soups made in their home kitchen and served to those in need at the local park, the journey rapidly accelerated and the team moved operations to the Veterans’ Building on Cabrillo Street, where full fresh cooked meals were made and served throughout the year including all major holidays.
A partnership with a local oncologist and subsequent collaborations with healthcare professionals refined the mission and recipes to meet the unique nutritional needs of those recovering from cancer and chronic illness. This led to the establishment of Organic Soup Kitchen’s Cancer and Chronic Illness Recovery Program, which today holds a reputation as Santa Barbara’s leading nutrition referral source. Now occupying an industrial size kitchen and distribution and education center, the operation is a thriving and vital safety net for Santa Barbara County’s vulnerable community members.
Driven by a deep care for our clients' well-being, Anthony, Andrea, Tony, and team continue to rise before dawn to prepare these meals, ensuring those in need have access to the crucial nourishment they need and deserve. It's more than food; it's a labor of love that strengthens and sustains our community.
Meet the Executive Team
Anthony Carroccio
Executive Director at Organic Soup Kitchen
Anthony Carroccio brings over 40 years of experience in scalable business management to his role as the Executive Director of Organic Soup Kitchen. His leadership spans across wellness-focused industries, ranging from internationally acclaimed health publications to the development of housing projects on the Central Coast. An alumnus of Providence College at the Ryan Center, Anthony is driven by personal family experiences with heart disease and chronic illnesses, fueling his dedication to helping the community overcome health challenges.
Anthony’s journey in the wellness industry includes publishing the national health magazine "Healing Retreats and Spas," which garnered widespread acclaim. Additionally, he was the renowned owner of Spa Trends, a global enterprise that set new standards in the spa industry. His commitment to promoting wellness and supporting underserved populations is reflected in his tireless efforts at Organic Soup Kitchen. Through innovative solutions and a passion for healthy living, he aims to inspire and empower individuals to lead healthier lives.
Andrea Slaby
Chief Operating Officer at Organic Soup Kitchen
With over 15 years of expertise in financial management and operations, Andrea Slaby thrives at the intersection of personal growth and community empowerment. As the Chief Operating Officer at Organic Soup Kitchen, she harnesses her professional prowess to advocate for and support underserved, low-income populations. Andrea’s innovative development techniques and dedication to promoting healthy living inspire individuals of all ages to embrace a collective, healthy lifestyle.
Andrea's academic journey began at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, where she graduated with honors, earning a B.A. in English, with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Santa Barbara City College, where she furthered her studies in accounting.
Proud of her lineage, Andrea is the granddaughter of Alderman Robert A. Anderson, affectionately known as “Fighting Bob,” who served as one of Milwaukee's longest-standing city officials with a distinguished 32-year tenure. Andrea's commitment to community building and her legacy of service continues to influence her work and inspire those around her.