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Capuchin Soup Kitchen

Feeding bodies. Nourishing spirits. Strengthening communities.

Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, we tend to people’s basic needs, especially the need for food. We also strive to stimulate minds, nourish spirits, and address root causes of social injustice.

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Impact

  • Detroit is among the poorest big cities in America. Nearly a third of Detroiters live in poverty1.
  • Of the 50 largest cities in the United States, Detroit had the highest unemployment rate at 9.1 percent in 2024. Employment rates for Detroiters lag behind metro, state and national averages.2
  • In 2024, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen supplied nearly 3.4 million pounds of food to the community at our food pantry, a 23 percent increase over the prior year.
  • In 2024, our soup kitchens served 236,787 meals, approximately 1,000 per day, a 20 percent increase over the prior year.
Impact and Ministry Statistics
Volunteers from iHeart Radio hold up a sign that reads
Br. Gary Wegner and Br. Tien Dinh smile while serving at the Meldrum Community Center.

Donate

Your support is critical to continuing our service to those most in need. Make a gift today.

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Volunteer

Make a difference by serving at one of our Capuchin Soup Kitchen locations.

Find a volunteer opportunity
A volunteer at our Meldrum Community Center gives the thumbs-up as he helps prepare a meal.

Programs

Volunteers and Capuchin friars serve the meal at the Meldrum Community Center.

Meal Program Sites

Our Conner and Meldrum meal sites are open to all, free of charge, serving full-course, nutritious meals to men, women, and children each day.

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A staff member poses for a photo in the office of Jefferson House, a 12-bed residential substance use disorder treatment center operated by the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

Addiction Treatment

AA/NA groups meet at our Soup Kitchen locations, and we operate two residential programs to help men overcome addiction and re-enter society.

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A close-up of a rack filled with muffins freshly baked at On the Rise Bakery.

On the Rise Bakery

The Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s On the Rise Bakery and Café features delicious baked goods prepared by men who desire to truly change their lives.

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A close-up photo of a volunteer at Earthworks Urban Farm holding up a seedling.

Earthworks Urban Farm

An urban ag pioneer, Earthworks harvests thousands of pounds of organic produce for our soup kitchens, while offering hands-on capacity building.

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Br. Fred Cabras, OFM Cap. stocks shelves at the Shoppers' Choice Food Pantry at the Capuchin Services Center.

Services Center

The Capuchin Services Center assists 228,000 of our Detroit neighbors annually with emergency food, clothing and access to aid workers.

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A Rosa Parks Children & Youth Program participant takes a break from gardening

Children’s Program

The Rosa Parks Children & Youth Program provides after-school tutoring and art therapy to help youth succeed while overcoming trauma.

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Spiritual Care

Chaplains/Spiritual Care

The Capuchin Soup Kitchen is a ministry of the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order and we are always ready to offer spiritual care.

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A photograph of a bowl of food changing hands.

Refettorio Detroit

Providing Capuchin hospitality, reducing food waste and combatting social isolation in a beautifully-designed space.

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About the Rosa Parks Children & Youth Program

Read an important message from Br. Gary and Br. Tien about the Rosa Parks Children & Youth Program.

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Upcoming Events

Event Jun 21

Parish Bake Sale: St. Francis St. Maximilian Parish – Ray

On the Rise Bakery will hold a parish bake sale at St. Francis St. Maximilian Parish in Ray Township on Sunday, Jun 21.

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Event Jun 25

Meldrum Fresh Market Farm Stand

Buy local and support a great cause! Every Thursday, we'll be hosting the Meldrum Fresh Market Farm Stand offering fresh, organic, locally-grown produce right from Earthworks Urban Farm.

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Event Jun 28

Parish Bake Sale: St. Michael – Sterling Heights

On the Rise Bakery will hold a parish bake sale at St. Michael Parish in Sterling Heights on Sunday, June 28.

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An illustration of an anthropomorphized wood barrel filled with cash, with arms and legs and a smiling face.

Bonanza Barrel Winners

Congratulations and thank you for supporting the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. See if you’re a lucky winner in our Bonanza Barrel drawing.

See the Winners

Interested in becoming a Capuchin?

Capuchins give priority in their ministries to the two loves of St. Francis’ life:
Serving the poor and preaching the Gospel.

About Capuchin Vocations

Stay up to date with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen