In the tradition of St. Francis, which recognizes we are all brothers and sisters, we are dedicated to providing for the nourishment of God's family. We will maintain an environment of trust and fellowship to build mutual respect and beneficial relationships with our guests, co-workers, suppliers and community. These efforts will strengthen our organization and enable us to provide a much needed service to our community.
The Franciscan Kitchen was founded in 1980 by Friar Jim Fields. While serving in the U.S. Navy Seabees on Okinawa during World War II, he saw poor people searching in the garbage for food. That experience affected him for the rest of his life.
Today the work of feeding the hungry continues through the dedication and hard work of a small staff and more than 200 regular volunteers. It is not unusual for the number of meals served to average over 400 each day.
With the recent spike in the area’s COVID-19 cases, the Kitchen implemented new procedures for the safety of our volunteers and staff, as well as our guests. All those entering to work at the Kitchen must do a temperature check, wear an appropriate mask, maintain social distancing, and wash hands regularly. In addition, staff members and volunteers testing positive for the virus MUST notify the Kitchen staff of their test result and they will not be allowed to work at the Kitchen until cleared by their doctor. Once we are notified, the Staff will contact those on our tracking sheets and they will be instructed to be tested and cannot work at the Kitchen until the results of the test is known.
If an active staff member or volunteer tests positive, the Kitchen will be closed until a thorough cleaning and sanitation can be completed as directed by the Health Department. Copies of the program information sheet are available at the table near the volunteer entrance door to the Kitchen.
Volunteers are the backbone of all we do! Volunteers cook, serve, clean up, act as drivers to pick up donations, provide office assistance, help with warehouse stocking and restocking, and other necessary duties. Please come join us!
Our volunteers continue to serve a "to go" meal, in compliance with recommended safety protocols.