We don’t just feed the homeless, we feed the hungry

It all started 15 years ago in Aunti Frances’ kitchen. She was already cooking for numerous church programs, but she decided, together with her activist partner Darvel Parks to feed the people of her community. And so, she began cooking in her own kitchen on 61st St, North Oakland food for 20, 30, 50, 100 people / week. Every Tuesday, the Island at Driver Plaza was her dining room. And since then, there hasn’t been a Tuesday without food. More than that, the Island is now a produce stand, a place where other non profits share their fresh food and cooked food daily. It’s a community meeting space, a sanitary bathroom, touch therapy, and a place to find the needed resources: housing, bureaucracy intervention, rent relief. Homeless, activists, volunteers housed neighbors congregate here, break bread, laugh, cry and enjoy the feeling of community. All around the warm food provided by Aunti Frances with her undeterred dedicated service.

In 2021, the pandemic had closed most soup kitchens, so we decided to empower our own members of the community to cook for their peers. We started the Cooks Program that trains and supports local people in developing their skills in the kitchen, while also providing a delicious homemade meal for the community. Every Thursday, one of our dedicated cooks has a warm meal ready for about 50 to 80 people (vegetarian options available all the time).

Help us keep up this program by making a donation below. We’ll be happy to invite you over for a warm bowl of food!