The Power of the Monthly Veggie: Supporting our Local Soup Kitchen

At IPS, we believe that education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. While academic excellence is a cornerstone of our curriculum, we are equally committed to nurturing compassionate, globally-minded citizens. One of the most tangible ways we bring these values to life is through our long-standing partnership with the Soup Kitchen Maria de Nazaré.

The Kitchen
Founded in 2011 by a group of dedicated individuals, the Soup Kitchen Maria de Nazaré is a vital pillar of the Lisbon community. Run entirely by volunteers, their mission is simple yet profound: to provide a warm, nutritious meal to those facing hardship.

Every Sunday, their kitchen in Ajuda transforms into a hub of activity. Approximately 500 soups are prepared and distributed to individuals and families. While many visit the kitchen in person, the Maria de Nazaré van also travels across the city, delivering soup, bread rolls, and hope to areas including Santa Apolónia, Arroios, Campo das Cebolas, Martim Moniz, Avenida da Liberdade, and Saldanha.

The Power of the Monthly Veggie Collection
To support this incredible work, IPS holds a monthly vegetable collection. Each month, children are asked if they can bring in an ingredient; be it carrots, onions, or potatoes. To add a sprinkle of excitement and healthy competition, we integrate this into our House System.

The House that brings in the most of their assigned “Vegetable of the Month” earns house points, but the real reward is how the children can visualise exactly how their contribution helps. A single bag of carrots brought from home becomes part of a massive, steaming pot of soup that feeds hundreds of people.

We choose to do this monthly rather than as a one-off annual drive for a specific reason - consistency. Charity is not a calendar event; it is a mindset. By making the collection a monthly rhythm, our students learn that hunger and need are ongoing, and therefore, our support must be steadfast. This repetition helps consolidate the learning, moving the concept of "charity" from an abstract idea to a concrete habit of service. It teaches our children that they have the power to make a difference every single month of the year.

This initiative is just one piece of the puzzle at IPS. We strive to weave empathy and critical thinking into everything we do. Through our various charity projects, we encourage students to ask "why" and to consider the circumstances of others with an open heart.

By participating in the Maria de Nazaré collection, our students aren't just bringing in a vegetable; they are practicing the art of caring for their neighbours. We are incredibly proud of our pupils' enthusiasm and the continued support of our parent community in helping us raise the next generation of empathetic leaders.

Written by:
Mrs. Joana Santos
Nursery Teacher