Nourishing the body, mind and spirit

The work of the Kitchens and Pantry takes place through the coordinated efforts of volunteers, including the involvement of 37 church groups of various denominations and secular organizations who sponsor our weekend programs.

Each year we rely on over 14,000 volunteer hours to provide our services and keep our operating expenses to a minimum. We receive donations from grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, and catering firms. In addition, we depend almost entirely on private sources for funding.

If you would like to help support our mission through either a donation (monetary, food or supplies) or through volunteer service at either one of our Kitchens or the Pantry please contact us by phone or email.

The Over-The-Rhine Kitchen, which was founded in 1976, is the oldest operation of its kind in Cincinnati. It began when Father Tom Bokenkotter, seeing that 80% of the residents in the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood were living below the poverty level, recruited a group of volunteers.

With just $700 in the bank, they started serving warm meals in a building on Main Street. In 2003, the operation was moved to its current location on Vine Street, where a hot meal is served five days each week. It continues to be a welcoming and positive place that serves over 68,500 meals per year to the poor and homeless in the area.

The Walnut Hills Kitchen, which was founded in 1984 by Father Tom Bokenkotter, is located in the basement of the The Tom Geiger Guest House. Residents of the The Tom Geiger Guest House and its affiliate, The Gertrude House, benefit from services of the Walnut Hills Kitchen.

At the Walnut Hills Kitchen, we serve a hot meal seven times each week; everyday except Friday and twice on Saturday.

Approximately 69,000 meals are served annually to the poor and homeless in the area.

The Walnut Hills Pantry, which opened in 1984, is adjacent to the Walnut Hills Kitchen in the basement of the The Tom Geiger Guest House.

At the Pantry, we distribute groceries and toiletries every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. to individuals and families in the area, as well as to residents of The Tom Geiger Guest House and Gertrude Houses.

Items that may be included in the bags of groceries are peanut butter, juice, pasta, dried beans, vegetables, tuna, cereal, canned beef stew, toilet tissue, frozen meat, eggs, etc. The Pantry distributes approximately 8,300 bags annually to the area poor and homeless.