Vision and Mission
Toni’s Kitchen is a food ministry of St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Montclair, NJ.
We envision a community where everyone has reliable access to healthy food.
Toni’s Kitchen provides food to our neighbors in need in ways that respect their dignity, improve health and foster independence.
We use a community partner model to enhance access and connections to programs and resources that encourage healthy, independent lives.
Our History
Toni’s Kitchen was started in 1982 by parishioners at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Montclair with the simple mission to “serve our neighbors in need.” Following the lead of a soup kitchen in nearby Paterson, people arriving for a hot meal were treated as guests and served restaurant style. The parishioners felt that this approach offered more dignity and respect than the traditional “stand in line” soup kitchen model.
At the time, Antoinette “Toni” Green was the cook for the South End Day Care Center, also housed at St. Luke’s. Toni agreed to be the lead cook for the new ministry and brought her years of experience and talent to the project. Described as a generous, “spirit-filled and amazing” woman, she was the perfect choice both to cook and lend her name to the new program.
Toni’s Kitchen has served meals since 1982 without interruption. Over 2,000 volunteers now help us fulfill our mission. We work with more than 60 community partners to ensure children, families and seniors all have reliable access to healthy food.
Today, Toni’s is “more than soup,” serving healthy meals and connecting guests with financial, health and counseling services. Toni’s Kitchen is now busy 7 days a week.
Please Support Our Mission
We need your support! Please visit toniskitchen.org to make a financial donation or to learn about volunteer opportunities!