In 1996, people inspired by Amma found a small soup kitchen in West Oakland, California, serving free meals every weekday while operating on a shoestring budget.
Mother’s Kitchen began serving hot meals there twice a month, soon adding bagged lunches too. The idea spread rapidly, and Mother’s Kitchen chapters began popping up all over the map. Today, the Mother’s Kitchen project provides more than 150,000 meals for the homeless and hungry each year.
The world should know that a life inspired by love and service to humanity is possible
- Amma
The original founding chapter. Partners with local outreach groups across San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, Monterey, Sonoma County, and Santa Cruz. Provides contact-free Pantry Bags, fresh produce, and thousands of meals.
Heeded the call in 1997. Prepares and serves food at the Union Gospel Mission Men’s Shelter and Hope Place Women & Children’s Shelter.
Cooks a healthy vegetarian lunch from scratch every second Sunday of the month, serving over 135 residents at the Downtown Women's Center.
Uses fresh vegetables grown right at the ashram to cook and serve 90–120 guests a high-quality vegetarian meal at the Hesed House local shelter.
The Greater Atlanta chapter serves hot vegetarian meals multiple times monthly, supporting unhoused friends at Woodruff Park and disadvantaged youth at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter and Covenant House.
In Montreal, volunteers partner with the Welcome Hall Mission to assist with kitchen prep, meal service, and essential food or financial donations for individuals experiencing hardship.
We should serve others without any expectations whatsoever. When others throw thorns at us, we should be able to throw flowers back.