The Stone Soup Project's Origin Story
I hold a deep belief in the power of food to unite people. It has the ability to build community, connect us to the earth’s bounty, and offer healing as ‘food as medicine.’
My inspiration comes from the timeless tale of Stone Soup, particularly the version about three monks who visit a village torn apart by war, drought, and famine. The elder of the three monks was teaching the youngest monk about happiness. As they came down from the mountain top and entered the village, a young curious girl was the only one to greet them. The monks asked her if she knew where to find a bigger pot, so she returned home to grab one from her mother.
As they started a fire in the town square, curiosity grew amongst the village. It wasn't long before the monks were suggesting that an ingredient here and there might just make the soup a little better. Each member of the village was happy to offer something for the pot that was simmering. Spices, herbs, and vegetables were all tossed in. Before the day was over, all the villagers had come out from their houses to gather around the pot.
A festival broke out and the villagers ate, danced, and laughed again once more. Until the monks showed up, the villagers hadn't realized that they had lost their sense of community and love for one another. With only a few stones, a pot, and the spirit of generosity, the monks helped the villagers rekindle the forgotten joy of ‘loving thy neighbor’—all through the simple act of sharing food and celebrating together.
"As I look to this country, the direction of our culture and the communities within it, I can't help but think we have lost our sense of love, sharing, and compassion for each other. My vision and hope is that we can start a fire, grab a big pot, and come together to celebrate each other and the sense of community that once was."
- Nick Wallace