The Stone Soup Café operates as a gourmet lunch service where patrons pay what they can afford, available for pickup or delivery by volunteers every Saturday afternoon at All Souls Church in downtown Greenfield. Unlike a traditional restaurant or soup kitchen, it functions on a mutual aid model, relying on donations rather than set prices. This approach fosters communication and trust among patrons. Being a non-profit organization, it accepts tax-exempt contributions.
The Café serves the communities of Greenfield, Bernardston, Gill, Deerfield, Shelburne Falls, Colrain, Turner's Falls, Montague, Whately, and Sunderland with delicious and nutritious meals that cater to various dietary needs and cultural preferences. Each week, the menu changes to provide diverse culinary experiences, often themed around global celebrations.
In addition to its food service, the Stone Soup Café runs a tuition-free culinary institute, offering a 12-week program to prepare students for careers in the food industry. This includes internships and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on those in recovery, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those seeking a new career path.
During the pandemic, the Café initiated a free store, which continues to provide groceries, produce, and personal care items to 80 to 110 households every Saturday. To learn more about the Stone Soup Café and its community initiatives, visit thestonesoupcafe.org.
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Photo by Engin Akyurt
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