Since 2003, first responders and emergency workers responding to emergencies around Washington have had the pleasure of a home cooked meal while on the job, courtesy of The “Soup Ladies” of Black Diamond.

In honor of the years of service the ladies have given to the people of the State of Washington, Councilmembers Kathy Lambert and Reagan Dunn were joined by their Council colleagues today in proclaiming February 29 to March 5 “Soup Ladies of Black Diamond” week in King County.

“The soup ladies’ dedication and skills continue to impress me. The work that they do is not easy, often under difficult, remote and harsh conditions. Yet they have done it with strong commitment for 12 years and have delivered more than 7,500 home-cooked meals, in just this last year, to our first responders,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “They serve, bless and encourage thousands of people in times of grief and need. We are so fortunate to have the soup ladies in King County.”

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working closely with the Black Diamond ‘Soup Ladies’ for many years,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn. “Their commitment to improving the lives of those to risk theirs for others is both honorable and inspirational. King County is privileged to have them.”

“We, the Soup Ladies, are so honored to serve King County and all the first responders and emergency workers who take care of those in need,” said Soup Ladies founder Ginger “Mama” Passarelli.

“In an emergency, the energy of first responders is focused on helping those in need,” said King County Sheriff John Urquhart. “We are very fortunate to have The Soup Ladies, whose support allows us to continue working in our full capacity.”

The “Soup Ladies” have built a reputation of outstanding service to others, dedication, and delicious home cooked meals for the last 13 years. In 2015, the ladies provided 7,500 meals to first responders, search and rescue teams, and military personnel engaged in emergencies and disasters. They have served meals at the front lines of the Oso Landslide, and to fire crews in Auburn and Puyallup. The Soup Ladies are there for rescues, freeway accidents, and many more instances where emergency workers are putting their lives on the line to protect the public.

Mama Passarelli and the Soup Ladies have also reached out to help on a national level when called, providing meals to emergency crews responding to Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy.