Feeding Our Neighbours
Mother's Kitchen was founded in 1996 as an Embracing the World initiative to serve those in need across North America; today its chapters across the US, Canada and Costa Rica together prepare and distribute some 150,000 meals a year. At M.A. Center Atlanta, volunteers carry this seva forward through two main efforts.
Covenant House
On the first Sunday of each month, 4 to 6 volunteers gather in the ashram kitchen at 8:00 a.m. to prepare a wholesome vegetarian meal for around 60 young people, ages 18 to 21, at Covenant House Georgia — an emphasis on fresh vegetables, plant-based protein and seasonal fruit. By 10:45 a.m. the meal is delivered to be served at noon. As the meals coordinator once shared, the youth "wait for a freshly cooked meal filled with taste."
Meals for the Homeless
Volunteers also cook hot meals and pack snack bags for the homeless in downtown Atlanta — a seva often carried out on festival days such as Guru Purnima, with AYUDH members helping to distribute the food and water at Woodruff Park. To help cook or serve, email macenteratlanta@macenters.org (subject: Mother's Kitchen).
