MISSION & VISION
more equitable and just food ecosystems
In the neighborhoods we serve, over half the people are going to bed hungry at night. Our mission is to build sustainable, equitable and community-centric foodways that are driven by the voice of the people.
Being founded by chefs and restaurateurs, we are conscious of the non-nutritious value of food. The psychological impacts of having a delicious meal that warms the body and the soul. The social impacts of food in how a meal brings people together. Being founded in Oakland, we are conscious of the diverse needs of our community and the historic institutionalized discrimination and racism that have led to dramatic inequalities in our community today.
Community-centric approach
bringing together our whole community
Community Kitchens’ founding principle is to unify and bring together our whole community to build stronger and more resilient foodways to support and uplift our underserved community members and businesses. We bring together:
50 Restaurant Chefs supporting our ecosystem in many ways
12+ Community Organizations distributing a “Meals Plus” model where our quality meals build trust and are a bridge to other services
8 Town Fridges stocking meals accessible to clients in food deserts
120 Volunteer Home Chefs preparing home cooked meals every day
150 Volunteer Prep Cooks in our central kitchen
OUR IMPACT
We believe food is a basic human right
Our meals go out every day to meet the needs of Oakland’s underserved neighbors who are without other means to find that one meal every day. While we provide 10,000 meals a month, our program has broader community impact.
Promoting community connection rather than increasing marginalization
Filling in gaps in our current public benefits programs
Uplifting Community Groups by providing stable meal schedules helping them focus on their core mission
Leading advocacy with our unified community coalition to make long term change
prioritizing accessiblity
meeting our community where they are at
Our unhoused community is pushed to the outskirts of Oakland and spend on average 3-5 hours a day walking to access basic services. Community Kitchens’ Mobile Oasis is a new food-justice tool launched in October 2022 that takes a novel and uniquely Oakland approach to getting food and water to those in our community who lack enough of either. Inspired by ice cream trucks, it is designed to be noticed when it comes into the neighborhood with meals and water.
our “Meal Plus” model
holistic approach to direct service
Our justice-minded approach focuses on equal dignity and improved access, and our “Meal Plus” Model means our community partners serve our meals with other life-giving supplies and services, including CalFresh and Medi-Cal enrollment information, healthcare, housing and job service referrals. Our meals serve as a bridge to providing other services. By working together, we can provide more effective, efficient, and holistic support for our low-income and unhoused community members.
our central kitchen
supporting community in our kitchen
Our Central Kitchen provides job training, wraparound support, and pathways to culinary careers for those facing barriers to employment. Participant outreach is designed to uplift unhoused, probation, foster care, low-income and low levels of education, and immigrant community members. In 2024 we hosted 10 interns and job referrals and we hope to double that in 2025, From the kitchen to the table, our meal program supports our community at each step.
DINERS
Dining for Justice, just one penny for every dollar spent
CENTRAL KITCHEN
Cook meals
Culinary job training
COMMUNITY ORGS
Distribute meals
Frontline healers
Connected and trusted
MEAL PROGRAMS
Unhoused, Town Fridges, Low-Income Youth, Families and Seniors