Mission Statement
At Community Kitchen our mission is to work, alone and in collaboration with others, to eliminate hunger in Monroe County and surrounding areas through direct service, education and advocacy. Our philosophy states that Community Kitchen provides free nutritious meals, nutrition education, referrals to other agencies, and a clean, comfortable social environment for patrons, staff and volunteers. Through daily operations and educational outreach, Community Kitchen works to educate the public about the extent of hunger in Monroe County, explain probable causes of hunger, and provide ways to respond to hunger needs. The agency's ultimate goal is for individuals to achieve regular access to an adequate diet through normal means. A soup kitchen is not considered "normal" means, but rather a "safety net" for people who have not yet achieved food security on their own.
Services
Services offered by Community Kitchen of Monroe County are available to everyone. There are no eligibility requirements. However, as the agency seeks to expand its services, it will target certain populations including the low-income working class, the underemployed or unemployed, individuals with disabilities, homeless individuals, pregnant or nursing mothers, and at-risk children. The dignity and worth of all patrons will be respected at Community Kitchen and an ongoing effort to protect their anonymity will be observed.
Community Kitchen was founded in 1983. Read our history here.
To find out more about our programs, visit our Programs page.
Community Kitchen of Monroe County is tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the agency are tax deductible as allowed by law.