What started as a slow simmer in 1981 is now a bubbling annual fete showcasing the tastiest restaurants in Central Arkansas. Mix in an ample serving of community support and it’s a recipe for success that continues to impress. Featured Chefs Jill McDonald and Wendy Schay will welcome friends of Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families to Soup Sunday for an afternoon of delicious and delightful fun.
For nearly five decades Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families has collaborated with legislators, coalitions and policy researchers to promote change that improves the lives of the state’s most vulnerable residents: specifically children in low-income families and families in high-poverty + under-resourced neighborhoods. This work helps ensure that all Arkansans have the resources and opportunities to build a healthy, happy future. Soup Sunday generates critical support for this important, yet often unrealized, work.
While Development Director Fran Carter recognizes the nuances of advocacy work, she notes measurable outcomes. “One of our biggest policy wins in 2025 was free school breakfasts for all public-school students in Arkansas. We supported the efforts of our partner Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and it took many years. Now we will keep pushing for universal free lunches.” The passage of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Baby Act as well as Act 904, which expands paid maternity leave for public-school employees, are other accolades. “Bringing awareness to our work is important. Soup Sunday draws so many people into our organization and it’s the generosity of participating restaurants that makes this event possible.”
As owners of The Croissanterie, Jill and Wendy were introduced to Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families through a shared love for the Natural State. Wendy elaborates, “We were invited by the Mighty Rib, Kevin Shalin.” When they realized children were the focus of the advocacy work, this dynamic duo made a pledge. “Anytime we can assist in helping a child, we will. It’s that simple. It’s for Arkansas, right now and in the future. Plus, it’s a lot of fun.” For Jill and Wendy, community is the heart of The Croissanterie. These native Arkansans have curated a menu for the new location on Cantrell Road that includes authentic French pastries as well as Southern comfort foods. The vast, yet cozy space, invites time to linger and enjoy. “We want the space to be inclusive to everyone. A place to hang out, for friends to gather, and continue building memories. We invite anyone and everyone to join us, and we will do our best to make everyone happy.”
Fran insists this year’s event will be bigger than ever. “The Jack Stephens Center at UA Little Rock can accommodate more people to our family-friendly afternoon of soups and other snacks. We’ve secured 45 vendors, with 10 providing desserts, in honor of our 45th anniversary.” Wendy adds another important detail, “Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families does all they can to assist in providing stable futures for the kids of Arkansas. We will always support Arkansas kids, today, tomorrow and as many days as it takes.”
Soup Sunday
Sunday, March 1 | UA Little Rock Jack Stephens Center
