Contacting Martha's Kitchen

. . .a non-profit, interfaith, community dining room for the hungry poor

Feeding the hungry poor with dignity since 1981.

A number of years ago, Louise Benson, dubbed the "Mother Teresa of San Jose", served peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the hungry from her garage. She saw the need grow so in 1981 she and five good friends started a soup and sandwich mission at its present facility on the grounds of Sacred Heart Church in San Jose. The kitchen was named after a biblical figure, Martha, who unfailingly offered hot meals to Jesus and his band of followers on their frequent journeys through the community of Bethany.

Since then, over a million meals have been served with the help of volunteers from surrounding communities, schools and churches of all denominations, along with individual donors in the spirit of Louise Benson's concept of feeding the hungry in our community.

Moreover, Martha's Kitchen has networked with other helping agencies and churches by sharing surplus vegetables, fruits, breads, and other baked goods collected by volunteers. In addition to those fed at the kitchen on Willow Street, over 8,000 meals a month are sent to the hungry at the Salvation Army San Jose and Gilroy, Living Center, Santa Maria Urban Ministry, Community Homeless Alliance, Sacred Heart Nativity School of San Jose, and during the winter months the Gilroy Armory.

This year, Martha's Kitchen will serve over 160,000 meals to needy the men, women and children of the San Jose area. Special provisions are made to meet the needs of families with children. Round tables are provided so family members can dine as a family unit.

Tax ID: 91-2091094.

Donate Now