Feeding bodies. Nourishing spirits. Strengthening communities.
The Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Food for Soul join together to open Refettorio Detroit, an inspiring community hub, centered on food, culture and sustainability located on the east-side of Detroit. In collaboration with local organizations, producers, artists, architects, and community leaders, the original Meldrum Soup Kitchen location is being transformed into a contemporary model that builds upon the Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s legacy since their founding in 1929, expanding their impact through hospitality, beauty and dignity.
Food for Soul, an international non-profit founded by Chef Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore, is proud to partner with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, who will operate the Refettorio project locally, evolving decades of social impact serving those in need with compassion, community and care.
The Capuchin Soup Kitchen joins Food for Soul’s global Refettorio Network of projects and partners dedicated to preventing food waste and social isolation through grassroots programs aimed at cultivating a more just sustainable food system while caring for our most vulnerable neighbors.
OUR MISSION BUILDS HOPE
Refettorio OzHrvest Sydney Australia
Delivering dignified Hospitality
Hospitality is founding principle of the Refettorio model, signaling a spirit of welcomeness, grace and respect for our shared humanity. Our full-service style and multi-course meals, encourage connection at the table in an ambiance of florals, warmth and conviviality - with the aim of fostering inclusion and well-being.
Togetherness through Design
Design in all aspects - architecture, landscape, interior, foodservice and programing- are opportunities to blend our natural and built environments while creating spaces that are responsive to the changing needs of those in need around us. The Refettorio utilizes eco-conscious materials, renewable energy and regenerative systems to reduce its footprint with an aesthetic that fosters joy, connection, and cultural expression through the arts and beauty.
Refettorio Felix London
A Sustainable food system through the prevention of wasted food
Perfectly nutritious good food ends up in landfill everyday while many of our neighbors experience hunger and face food insecurity. Our food program continues to expand to tackle these challenges as uplift the Refettorio models food focus - becoming part of Detroit’s food recovery and food sovereignty network - ensuring no food goes wasted as we cultivate equitable access to healthy, culturally - diverse foods for all.
Refettorio Gastromotiva, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A resilient inclusive Detroit community
Since 1929, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen has been in service of Detroit’s ever-changing community, building opportunities to lift up, connect and amplify the city’s vibrant history of cultural contributions and diverse people. The Refettorio will celebrate local artists - chefs, musicians, tile makers, muralists, potters, woodworkers - through it’s design and open its doors to host events and educational activities - that create space to highlight their work, support community development and bridge civic engagement and volunteerism.
“The Soup Kitchen keeps me in touch with the world instead of being isolated and confused because I'm a long way from people I know.”
Howard, Guest at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen
EXPANDING OUR IMPACT
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237,000 + pounds
GOOD FOOD ACCESS - Hospitality Meals: Nutritious meals served around the table and for takeaway from our Meldrum and Conner Community Centers
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6,000 pounds
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT - Fresh produce harvested, grown with composted kitchen scraps from the Meldrum kitchen.
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13,000 +
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS - Annual volunteer opportunities
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30,990 | 82,504
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES - Families provided with support and Individuals provided with support
