JACKSON, Wyo. — Today, Nov. 21, marks the second annual Soupgiving to help Jacksonites connect before the holiday season.
The Teton Behavioral Health Alliance (TBHA), an initiative of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole (CFJH), is hosting the event at Jackson Elementary School’s Commons from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. No tickets are required to attend, and food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to a CFJH press release, this free event invites community members of all ages to enjoy heartwarming soups from local businesses and organizations, connect with friends old and new, listen to live music by Hilary Camino and participate in a collaborative art project. Activities and crafts for kids will be led by Teton Literacy Center and Girls Actively Participating (GAP!).
Teton County Library will also be giving away free books from its Book Mobile, and there will be a resource table with information about local behavioral health services.
Soupgiving acknowledges that the holidays can be a challenging time for many. According to TBHA Backbone Leader Kate Schelbe, this challenge can come from financial stress from seasonal employment, the high cost of living and increased workloads in tourism-driven industries. Geographic isolation and harsh winter weather can additionally exacerbate feelings of loneliness or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially for those without strong social networks.
Schelbe also notes that heightened social pressures and a party culture can contribute to substance use during the holidays.
“Connection to community is a powerful protective factor for mental health because it fosters a sense of belonging, support and purpose.”
TBHA Backbone Leader Kate Schelbe
“The idea behind Soupgiving is to create a space for community members to feel connected to promote relaxation and resilience during a stressful time of year,” Schelbe tells Buckrail. “Connection to community is a powerful protective factor for mental health because it fosters a sense of belonging, support and purpose. Strong social ties provide emotional support during difficult times and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are major risk factors for mental health challenges.”
According to Schelbe, being part of a community also encourages healthy coping mechanisms, and Soupgiving was created to acknowledge that the holidays can be a challenging time for many.
Soupgiving is a dry event; no alcohol will be served, but meals will include bread, desserts and beverages.
