'Tis The Season For Giving Back
Local businesses can host food drives to support Toni’s Kitchen, as well as donate prepared foods. Photo courtesy of Frank Reder, 2020.
by Melissa Gandarinho
When it comes to the holidays, we are all so excited to not only give gifts but to receive them. Sadly, what is often overlooked is the gift of food to those that do not have access to it. Toni’s Kitchen in Montclair is providing the option to donate food to help those in need.
Toni’s Kitchen was started in 1982, by parishioners through St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The name Toni’s Kitchen came from Antionette ‘Toni’ Green, who was the cook for the South End Day Care Center at St. Luke’s. Green ended up leading in not only cooking but the kitchen project. While Green passed in 1997, 2,000 volunteers are helping fulfill Toni’s mission, and vision every day.
Most of the food is donated by well-known local organizations and stores. Last weekend, Houss Freya, a Montclair apothecary, hosted a food drive for Toni’s Kitchen. Owner Daysi Dedios filled us in on her experience.
Montclair Now: What made you work with Toni's Kitchen to do food donations within your storefront?
Dedios: I was looking for a local program to be able to help our neighborhood. When I found Toni’s Kitchen I saw all the multiple ways they are helping our community with their soup kitchen, providing groceries to families in need, and delivering to shut-in senior citizens.
M: Would you consider doing it again? If so, when?
D: I most definitely plan on collecting donations consistently at our store. We are planning a toy drive in December and we are currently planning to continuously have collections at Houss Freya. We also hope to be able to volunteer our time if restrictions don’t prevent it. As a brand, being of service is part of our foundation and we plan to do what we can to do our part.
M: What is one piece of advice you would give other establishments when looking into doing this for their community?
D: My advice would be.... do it!! It’s an easy process. As a Business in any community, it is our responsibility to be of service. Find a program that speaks to you and spread the word!!
M: What is one thing you got out of this experience?
D: It’s hard to pick just one thing, but it fills my heart to know that I can provide a destination where those who may want to give but are unsure as to how or where can at Houss Freya, and grateful that together we can aid others.
Donations are just one part of Toni's Kitchen community efforts, as the organization also operates a soup kitchen. In the past, guests were able to sit down and enjoy the company of others, but the dining room is closed due to COVID-19. However, meal service is still provided, and all guests get a hot or cold meal to go. These meals are offered Thursday-Saturday from 11:30 AM-12 PM, and on Sundays at 5-5:30 PM.
With the donations that are provided, groceries are offered by Toni’s Kitchen. People in need of basics are able to shop their inventory. Toni’s Kitchen also accepts monetary donations to purchase more grocery essentials for the community.
Donations can be made Monday-Friday from 9 AM-2 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM-12 PM, and Sunday from 3 PM-5:30 PM. Donations can be dropped off at St. Luke’s Church. Should you have a gathering and have unopened leftovers, you can even donate these. They are currently most in need of ground coffee, paper towels, cereal, and granola bars.
If you are a local company in Montclair with any of these items to give, or a local restaurant with unopened leftovers, please consider donating to this cause. You can also host your own local drive to help those who truly need it. By taking part in supporting this cause, you can bring your business’ customers and local foot traffic into a special cause, raise awareness for hunger in the Montclair community, and share the mission of Toni’s Kitchen.
For more information about Toni’s Kitchen, to volunteer, or to donate, you can visit their website at https://toniskitchen.org/.
