Cooking Up Traditions: FFA’s Hobo Stew

Redwood High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) reflects on the annual Hobo Stew and unveils the history from which it originated.

By: Haley Padilla

Clubs inhabiting Redwood’s campus typically host events based on individual and unique traditions. FFA, one of Redwood’s more prominent organizations, holds its annual Hobo Stew. 

Hobo Stew’s name originates from the past of those who used to ride on freight trains across the United States after the Great Depression. “They had this intricate system of knowing where the good places were to stop, get food, and to rest. I think the acronym for them was a hobo,” said Mr. John Coon, the Agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor. The historic experience was a friendly gathering that governed the creation of Redwood’s Hobo Stew. 

“It was a practice of the people that used to ride the rails—it was something that they used to do from time to time. They’d all come together and whatever they had, they’d share with one another. That’s how it came about,” said Mr. Coon.

The recreational meeting consists of members bringing their soups the day before the lunchtime meeting before pouring them into one large pot to cook. When the meal has finished cooking, all members are offered a side of baguette and a portion of the Hobo Stew. The entire idea is simply getting together and sharing a meal, garnering genuine camaraderie amongst members. “We just get together and eat some nice warm soup on a cold day,” said Lucas de Lima, ‘25. 

Members must abide by one rule: they may not bring cream-based soups. Such soups can cause the meal to curdle and appear unappetizing. 

Oftentimes, the concept of Hobo Stew repulses first-time members. Sadie Hemphill, ‘25, the FFA President, says, “They’re usually scared when we tell them what it is at first. They’re unsure about it and think it’s gonna be gross. It happens every year.”

“But as soon as [new members] try it, they realize why everyone else loves it… then they absolutely fall in love with it,” said Marileigh Coon, ‘25, the FFA Vice President.

Jason Clavel, ‘28, says, “It was surprisingly good. It looked and sounded weird, but it was all right.”

“It was really good,” said Danika Cook, ‘28.

The award ceremony where FFA members are presented with their greenhand degree—the first degree in the Agriculture pathway—has always been integrated with Hobo Stew.

FFA’s special tradition stemmed from a short story presented in English about the tales of railroad travelers after the Great Depression and the soup they’d eat together. The concept was found engrossing and as a way for the Agriculture Department students to gather and have a “friendsgiving,” causing Hobo Stew’s creation in 1974.

It is important to uphold traditions in an eternally changing world; to grasp onto threads of the past and construct a deeper connection with those around you. The necessity of keeping one’s culture alive is why Hobo Stew is crucial for FFA. Mr. Coon says, “When I got here in the year 2000 as an Ag teacher, there were certain things they said, whatever you do, don’t ever change it. And the first time I heard about the meeting, I was like ‘wow, that’s kind of an interesting deal.”

“It’s really important because it’s like a tradition that’s been going on for many years. I feel like it’s everybody’s favorite meeting of the year,” said Hemphill.

Hobo Stew will retain a similar concept to the present for years to come. de Lima says, “It’s been a thing way before I came to Redwood and will be a thing way after I graduate, hopefully.”

Coon says, “I think it went really well; we had a nice turnout, the weather was nice, and we had a lot of people come and enjoy [a nice cup of Hobo Stew].”

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