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. In 2022, we provided 1.7 million meals in the community. 

Today, Toni’s is “more than soup,” with healthy food available in our dining room and throughout our community as well. Toni’s Kitchen also connects our guests to wellness services that help them lead more independent lives.