A Soup Kitchen in San Jose that Serves Free Food with a Warm Welcome

San Jose, Silicon Valley's largest city and one of the most expensive areas to reside in California, is famed for its technology companies -- many of which offer free food as a perk for their employees. Yet one in four people in Silicon Valley are at risk of going hungry. As high-paying tech firms move into the Bay Area, the cost of living rises for all residents -- and high rents mean less money to spend on food.

Fortunately for those in the Bay Area in need of food, Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen has been serving up free, hot meals since 1980.

Food Insecurity in the U.S.

Across the United States, more than one in seven households -- 49 million individuals including 12 million children -- go hungry every day. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, those living in food insecure households suffer not only from a shortage of food, but also a lack of access to quality, well-balanced meals. 

Food Scarce Households in the Bay Area

The Bay Area of California is particularly hard hit by factors that contribute to food scarcity. Growing income inequality and skyrocketing housing costs mean Silicon Valley residents living in poverty lack the financial resources to afford nutritious food.

Many low-income neighborhoods in Santa Clara County are considered "food deserts" devoid of affordable fresh produce and quality proteins. A lack of meaningful public transportation means that residents of these neighborhoods must  search for food within their communities -- food that is often cheap, high-calorie, and lacking in nutritional value. And because many of these individuals work multiple jobs just to afford basic housing costs and essentials, they also lack the time needed to prepare fresh food.

Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen Serves Healthy Free Food to Those in Need

The great news for those who are hungry in the San Jose area is that Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen serves up fresh, healthy food to those in need on a daily basis Monday through Friday, including holidays. Their mission is to provide a hot, nutritious meal to low-income individuals and families with a special concern for those who are disadvantaged (e.g. children, seniors, veterans, students, and those who are disabled and/or homeless). All are welcome. No questions asked.

Many associate soup kitchens with ... well soup, and other highly processed boxed and canned foods. But Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen creates its menu using food items that are fresh and healthy. The organization has partnered with more than 30 local nonprofits, including an area farm, to prepare meals full of high-quality proteins, organic fruits and vegetables, and flavorful fresh herbs. Food is thoughtfully prepared each day at their kitchen in Morgan Hill. The result is a hot, delicious, and nutritious meal for community members to enjoy for free.         

If you are in need of food assistance and would like to try out one of Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen's healthy, free meals, please visit one of their two meal locations on weekdays (Monday through Friday) at 4:30 p.m. Special holiday meals are also served for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Eastside Neighborhood Center: 2150 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose

Goodwill Industries: 1080 North 7th Street, San Jose