Kitchen Coalition

Meals for community by community

Kitchen Coalition serves up culturally connected, freshly prepared meals and a whole new way to fight hunger.

We know that not everyone facing hunger has the home, health, or ability to use the groceries our food bank offers. This includes individuals and families with inconsistent access to a kitchen, people with challenges caused by physical mobility issues or illness, or those who are managing a crisis, challenge or time of transition.

So, we’ve built a network of local restaurants and caterers who turn food bank ingredients into nutritious, freshly prepared meals. Then, trusted nonprofits get those meals to neighbors on a predictable schedule.

How It Works

Food Bank Powered Network

Second Harvest Heartland serves as the connector, bringing food and funds to neighborhoods.

• 60% of the ingredients our restaurants and caterers use come from Second Harvest Heartland.
• To date, more than $18.5 million has been invested in the local economy through meals made by community for community.

Meals Made with Care by Local Chefs

Kitchen Coalition begins by listening to neighbors and community leaders to understand the need for prepared meals and ensure that the meals represent their dietary needs, such as halal, kosher, global cuisine or simply comfort food.

• We listen to what our neighbors want and more than 50% of our meals are made by BIPOC-led or owned restaurants and caterers.

Investing in Our Communities

Restaurants and caterers that are committed to hunger-relief and cook meals that meet our neighbors’ needs are selected and matched with local nonprofits to serve neighbors. Partner kitchens are paid at cost for their work, which means they employ more workers and are better able to weather downtimes for their businesses.

• We invest in local restaurants and caterers. Our partner kitchens employ 80+ culinary workers at 19 kitchen sites producing our meals.
• We distribute 25,000+ meals to our communities every week through 75+ nonprofit distribution partners.

This neighbor-first approach means that neighbors are nourished, local businesses are supported, and meals are made and delivered with care.

Donate Now

• 2/20/2023 - Campus-based assistance programs aim to combat food insecurity
• 2/8/2023 - Channel One Food Bank welcoming community members to warehouse for April fundraising event
• 1/20/2023 - How Kitchen Coalition makes fresh meals for people in need
• 1/18/2023 - Minnesota-based free, prepared meal program expands