Martha's Kitchen

Martha's Kitchen has been serving the homeless and poor people in Santa Clara County for almost 40 years. The staff do great job of fixing delicious meals for anyone who needs good food.
Great organization.

I've had the privilege of serving on this board for 13 years, and I'm more inspired now than ever because of the impact we are having on communities and people's lives. The need for what we do ( feeding those in need) has never been greater!

I have been with Martha's kitchen for over 20 + years as a volunteer.with over hundred thousand plus man hours to help feed the homeless.And this is the only organization I stay loyal with.its a great place to expance face value.

They feed so many people, it is amazing and wonderful!!! I don't know what all these people would do if Martha's Kitchen were not there to help. Something as simple as a meal and a bottle of water can make a grown man or woman cry when they are completely down and out. It is a form of Love, by simply caring for a fellow human being and ensuring they have something so basic as a meal.

I am deeply grateful for having served as a volunteer and in directorship for this organization.Based on multiple experiences I am convinced that the clients are extremely satisfied with the quality of food and how they are treated with dignity.
Melvin Russi,MD

The first time I visited Martha's Kitchen, I was amazed to see how long the line was for people wanting to eat a hot meal. I thought the economy was doing well and this would mean less people were in need. Boy, was I wrong. The place is huge, prepares lots of meals that are served not just at it's downtown San Jose location, but in six counties throughout the region. I don't know how such an amazing place ever could have gotten started, but without the loyal volunteers and donors that run the place, there would be a lot more hungry people suffering on our streets.

People with HUGE Hearts working to care for others through food... MK is the best!!!

We just want to thank Edita Cruz and all of her wonderful staff at Martha’s Kitchen for the great work they do in preparing and providing us (and our fellow volunteer helpers) much needed casseroles to feed the many less fortunate living in the Santa Cruz area. Your always willing and timely supportive efforts have made a big difference in feeding the hungry in this region. Knowing that we can count on Martha’s Kitchen’s willing support in providing an assortment of delicious casseroles has truly been a blessing. We are particularly appreciative of your providing casseroles the past five years to feed up to a hundred people every Monday afternoon at a downtown faith-based event. Also of particular appreciative mention, is the many hundreds of Martha’s Kitchen casseroles you provided the past two winter seasons to support the Association of Faith Community (AFC) sponsored Winter Shelter Program which fed hundreds of local homeless receiving shelter during the cold, rainy winter months. The AFC could not have been able to support this much needed program (that over thirty Santa Cruz area churches of different faiths participated in) without Martha’s Kitchen help. Again, thank you Edita, Kevin, Jose and crew for the wonderful work you do in feeding those in need. Tim and Judy Hutchison (Holy Cross Catholic Church Representative on Santa Cruz Association of Faith Community Board of Directors)

I work for another local non-profit called Hunger at Home and we work in collaboration with Martha's Kitchen often. I have only been in my position for a few months, but our partnership with them dates back a few years. I know I can always count on Edita's team to pick up a donation and for anything we may need whether it be volunteers for events, help promoting events, or fundraising ideas. We have also thrown successful fundraisers in conjunction with them, and our mission is always the same: work to end hunger and homelessness in the Bay Area. The team at Martha's Kitchen is dedicated to their work in the community and they positively impact the lives of those in need every day. They truly do God's work by advocating for those who are otherwise invisible!

We have been donors for years and are always happy to help Martha's Kitchen. They have an army of dedicated, long-time volunteers who are eager to help the community. Martha's Kitchen runs a lean operation with few staff members, so you know every dollar and resource is stretched to provide the greatest value to the less fortunate.

Lean non-profit that focuses on their mission of feeding people with dignity. I have no qualms about where my donations are going. The impact is immediately visible.

Former Volunteer now living in Florida:
I have been a volunteer at Martha's Kitchen for over 20 years. During that time, millions of people in need have received exceptional services from a group of exceptional individuals. Everyone is made to feel welcome and appreciated with no discrimination – the staff, the volunteers and the clients feel the warmth and caring nature of the organization.
Whether it is sitting with a group of volunteers preparing food to be used to feed the hungry, preparing Christmas “ Goodie bags" for men, women and children in need, helping with operational clerical tasks or helping to organize and implement fund raising events, I have enjoyed volunteering at Martha’s Kitchen.

I continue to be amazed at how much good is done by Martha's Kitchen's staff- about 8 to 9 people total and they provide 300,000+ meals per year. In addition, the volunteers are able to interact with on-location clients and make their day brighter. Truly a positive and wonderful organization!!

Martha's Kitchen provides a great service to families and Senior Citizens. Children and families know that they can get a balanced meal on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The dinners are excellent and the children talk about what they eat, and the extra sandwich that is taken home. The students in the neighborhood look forward to turkey meals in November, Spaghetti, chicken, and Shepherd's pie. These are their favorites. Dinner is a hot meal. Meals at school are not made on site but brought in a Cafeteria truck. So fresh homemade food is a great choice. Families, Senior Citizens, and unemployed parents, and individuals receive great services from Martha's Kitchen.

Volunteering at Martha's Kitchen has honestly changed my life. From working with amazing people to getting the utmost satisfaction of changing the outcome of someone's day, it has been an honor to be part of such an amazing organization. Martha's Kitchen is not solely based off the duty of serving food, but also to bring a smile to someone's face. Anyone who has the privilege of spending an afternoon volunteering here would be truly gratified.

I started coming here during my sophomore year of high school and have continued to visit when I am home from school. Every single week that I would show up, whether I was having a good or bad day, I would go home with a positive attitude. Seeing how thankful that people are when they come in, or knowing their story of why they are in the position they are in is inspiring. They are the faces that are imprinted in my mind when I complain about trivial problems or wishing that I was better off. I am truly thankful for the gift of gratefulness and humility that Martha's Kitchen has given me and I highly recommend that anyone who comes across this place to try to help out.

I was introduced to Martha's Kitchen by a lady at Holy Family Parish. I started soon after I retired in 1997, as a volunteer. To this day I go to the kitchen on Wednesdays, and when ever they need me. They serve many clients, and all seem to be happy with the meals and service that the staff provides. The Chefs prepare many meals, not just for the kitchen, but for many other places as far away as Dos Palos, CA. I'm happy to be a part of this wonderful nonprofit!
All are welcome!

I began volunteering in the food line at Martha's Kitchen back in 2006 until around 2007, or so. At that time I was filling the void left by my father after he passed away. He had been volunteering there with a small group of retired doctors from San Jose looking for opportunities to contribute in a meaningful manner as well as to socialize.

It has been about three years since returning to MK, and since then, it feels great to have returned and see familiar faces. The employees, board members (many of whom also volunteer) steady volunteers and school age volunteers all make this a worthwhile and fun place to help and hang out. Everyone gets busy with the many tasks of delivering food twice weekly to the needy. It is fun, lively and at times loud. The clients are treated to deliciously prepared food and often say "thank you" as they bus their trays.

It is no small feat to feed an average of 150 or so clients twice per week. I am happy to contribute my small portion of the work in getting the job done. Martha's Kitchen offers a bit of "home" for everyone.

What an opportunity to sing praises of Martha's Kitchen! Unbelievable service to those most in need. My wife and I were fortunate enough to give six years of service several days a week offering not only fine meals but respect, dignity and encouragement to those clients who needed it. In addition it was a humbling experience for some of us who have more to share. The clients were VERY appreciative, the volunteers were terrific, the staff was/is first rate. Our community should be thankful that organizations like Martha's Kitchen exist particularly in these troubling times. B&J;

It was a great experience, fulfilling.
Thank you to all the permanent people that run this nonprofit. Collaborating with them to serve the ones in need is always rewarding.
Seen the smile in their faces made my day. I saw a couple of families with children and I was grateful for Martha's Kitchen and the opportunity to show them that there are still people that cares. Living in Silicon Valley have been a challenge for many.
Looking forward to volunteer again.
My best to all.

These people are like they have been sent here from Heaven. Their work is incredible because it is backed with compassion and pure love. Feeding hungry people is God's work and Martha's Kitchen is God's servant.

I have volunteered for Martha's Kitchen for 15 years. This soup kitchen continues to maintain its mission of producing wholesome meals for the hungry poor population with an ever expanding service to needy communities. This action is all done with a small paid staff supported by hundreds of volunteers.

big, BIG - BIG HEARTS! Edita and crew - amazing people who love to live to make sure people are fed!

If you are not familiar with Martha's Kitchen - what a wonderful organization. My understanding is their primary purpose to help feed those whom are hungry. period. It's not just about homeless individuals, but all other factions of life who may feel the pinch and sacrifice food when times are tough.

And what drew me to MK - the fact that if they had more locations , more facilities, more partners whom could help disseminate food... they have the means to accommodate them. I've been lending a hand the last few months trying to find more locations. There's no charge to be a partner, little by ways of what a partner may need and best yet - they will deliver the food to you. Lunch, Dinner and even Breakfast (although partners need to pick up Breakfast). Have 20 or 200 people - call Edita at Martha Kitchen.

Again.
big, BIG - BIG HEARTS! Edita and crew - amazing people who love to live to make sure people are fed!

Paul W.

I have been volunteering for several years at Martha's Kitchen and I find it a very rewarding experience. They help so many in need of a hot meal. It is very touching to be able to see the people that you helping! I will continue to support them!

What an amazing place! Martha's Kitchen serves such an important need within the community. People are hungry. By running a soup kitchen, they help feed those in need in the local community several nights a week. In addition, they use their organization's volunteers to help feed others outside of downtown SJ. A volunteer effort in the morning allows meals to be made for community groups throughout the county.

I volunteered twice in the last two weeks. One morning shift showed a huge operation of volunteers prepping food for that night's dinner, including fresh fruit and potatoes, plus a massive sandwich-making operation that allowed thousands of sandwiches to be made for distribution to many smaller community groups. At night, a lovely hot meal was prepared for clients and served by volunteers.

Edita Cruz was a constant presence. Thanking the volunteers personally and making sure everyone felt appreciated. Kevin organized the volunteers and coordinated all the activities to make sure things were getting done. Both always had smiles on their faces. Experienced volunteers showed the newbies how things were done.

Overall, both volunteer experiences were wonderful. Martha's Kitchen is a terrific organization doing great things in the community!

There are many non-profit organizations that fill the needs of the community. Then, you come across an exceptional non-profit like Martha's Kitchen. Not only do they run their own kitchen to serve hot meals weekly, they have expanded their outreach across the South Bay. We, Alum Rock UMC are one of the lucky site recipient of Martha's Kitchen weekly hot meals, which they delivery to us. Since we have started our Tuesday feeding program in August to December we have fed in the four months 127 adults and 190 young people. This is an average of 91.25 per month during this time. You are doing an outstanding job! Muchas Gracias!!!

Marthas Kitchen is truly devoted to help communities in need. I Love Morgan Hill has had the pleasure of partnering with Marthas Kitchen over the past five years to serve hot meals to those in need in the south county community of Morgan Hill. They have the same heart as we do to serve our community. Edita Cruz, the Director of Marthas Kitchen has rallied local organizations in the south county to partner and share information/volunteers, as we all have the same goal for serving our community. Hopefully more organizations/businesses can get involved this year to volunteer or donate so we can make a huge difference to serve those in need. We live in an expensive county and folks need the extra help. Thank you Martha's Kitchen for making a difference . Josie Scott

This wonderful organization attracts people of great character and dedication and now that I've become a weekly volunteer I am honored to work amongst them. Our guests are a diverse mix of souls who are appreciative of the love that goes into the meals and the care shown to them ... with dignity. I am proud of my commitment to serve and to work with all the great volunteers who come from high schools, colleges and universities and the professional organizations that support community involvement. MC

Martha's Kitchen has generously provided food to feed the hungry in our community of Morgan Hill. They have been willing to work with our specific needs to provide the most good for hungry people. Our church, Cathedral of Faith in Morgan Hill, discovered a great need among low income families and we have been able to provide clothing and coats, toys at Christmas for children, backpacks and school supplies for students, while providing a great meal, a welcoming environment, for them as well. Martha's Kitchen has partnered with us to bring some joy into the lives of these families. Thank you Martha's Kitchen!!

Martha's Kitchen provides all the meals for our weekly Community Suppers and we could never do it without them! Such an invaluable service. Helpful staff and a wonderful spirit about the place-what a blessing!

I love volunteering at Martha's Kitchen. This place is close to my heart. Serving the poor and the hungry in the Silicon Valley is one of the great opportunities to serve God. Everyone that comes to eat here is so gracious. I believe that I am here to give the ministry of the "smile" as well. It's good to see the poor looks happy when they come to this place.
The volunteers are so energetic and joyful as if they're looking forward for the next day to volunteer. Being a part of this charitable environment is so encouraging and at the end of the day, I felt that I made a difference in the world. Likewise, the people who run this place are professional, friendly, supportive and kind.

I pray to God that Martha's Kitchen will be blessed abundantly as they continue to serve the poor and the hungry with dignity and love.

I have been helping at Martha's Kitchen for many years. Every one is treated with dignity and respect, i hear time and time again from the clients that the food is GREAT and they enjoy coming in for a meal . The volunteers are a great group to work with.

We are very blessed to have a great relationship with Martha's Kitchen.

We have had opportunity to sing and entertain the guests and have brought gift bags

and other items for the guests as well. I am so impressed with the scope of the work of Martha's Kitchen !

They are now serving and transporting meals to Salinas. This is in addition to the many sites around San Jose

they already serve. They also provided meals on a daily basis for the students of the school where they are

located as serve hundreds of homeless and need families every Tuesday and Wednesday. The staff is

amazing and their volunteers are very dedicated. This is a wonderful and very needed nonprofit.

Larry Albright,
Associated Pastor of Worship at Lincoln Glen Church

Martha’s Kitchen has been a life saver for us; literally! We too are a nonprofit community kitchen in Salinas and recently a slow and destructive leak was discovered underneath the floor of our kitchen and dining room. For one month we have been without stove, water, and pantry while the old floor was removed and a new one installed. Edita and Martha’s Kitchen reached out to us and have been providing cold lunches so that we can continue serving 300 guests per day. Their generosity, kindness and concern for the homeless and marginalized is evident; their Board even paid us a visit and supported us with a donation of equipment. We are humbled and inspired by their examples of making a difference in the lives of others.
Nic Bianchi
Program Director
Dorothy's Kitchen
Salinas, California

What makes it work is the passion. Edita is driven and always excited to tackle a new issue or develop a new fundraiser. Edita and the kitchen Manager take the time to say good morning to every volunteer
The meals are well prepared and the service on Tuesday and Wednesday nights goes like clockwork.
Doors open at 4PM the meal service ends at 5PM and everyone is feed within that Hr. That does not happen without good planning.

I have been a volunteer at Martha's Kitchen for 18 years and have found them to be one of the best organizations I have ever volunteered for. They reach directly to the needy with an atmosphere of helpfulness and friendliness. No one is ever turned down. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone who is interested in helping the needy. It is a well run organization.

I have been a volunteer at Martha's Kitchen for several years. There is not a better place to support. They feed hundreds of hungry people every year no one is turned down. Great place to send donations.

Martha's Kitchen is a wonderfully run, efficient organization. I have had the pleasure of working with them for several years and really get a lot of satisfaction assisting them in their mission to feed the hungry.

Martha's Kitchen is a great place to volunteer to help others. Everything is very clean and well organized. All of the volunteers are helpful and kind to everyone, whether you are another volunteer or someone who is there becuase they are in need or just hungry. Great organization!!

I have been assisting Maratha's Kitchen with food and service for well over a decade. These are the nicest and most selfless people you would ever want to meet. The facility is run by passionate professionals in the kitchen and front office. With the goods available to them, this kitchen crew puts out exceptional hot meals week in and week out! The food prep and dining areas are not only sanitary, they are spotless! As a Chef and Business owner, there is not a single non-profit that I would rather donate my goods and labor to and I'm sure once you get to know the great people of this much needed community service, you will too!

Martha's Kitchen is an exceptional non-profit organization. Their mission of feeding the hungry is such a huge benefit to the community. I love supporting them and pray they continue their good work.

Donating to Martha's kitchen uplift my spirit. They do an excellent job, for a non-profit
organization, their services to people are very compassionate and professional. I saw all these when I came to visit, even though I am a resident of Southern California, I wish there are more organizations like
this world wide.

Martha's Kitchen is an amazing organization...they do some much for the community. My hats to Edita and her team.

Martha's Kitchen is my favorite local charity to donate to thanks to the wonderful work they do in the Bay Area. Although they operate a busy soup kitchen that serves their own neighborhood's hungry in San Jose, they are always looking for ways to serve more. So they have forged partnerships with other organizations that enable them to provide meals for the hungry in Santa Clara, Merced and Santa Cruz counties as well--a quarter million meals a year. You would think with those kinds of numbers, they would have a lot of overhead, but no, they run incredibly lean for an organization with their reach, relying almost entirely on volunteer workforce. That kind of efficiency is impressive to me as a donor, and it's why they are my go-to charity to help combat hunger.

I discovered Martha's Kitchen several years ago when I was doing my year end donations. I've been very concerned about the discussions of child hunger in America and I wanted to donate locally. Martha's Kitchen is just a few miles from me and they do an excellent job feeding hungry families. In addition, they accepted my donation with a tax receipt and did not inundate me with calls, junk mail, etc. i feel that my donation actually went to doing some good.