Soup kitchen & Pantry — About

Serving those in need everyday.

Founded in 1982, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen provides meals, social services support, and workshops that help those in need work toward improved health, housing, and jobs.

Mission

Dedicated to helping New Yorkers in need.

Holy Apostles’ team of dedicated staff and volunteers support their mission to feed the hungry, comfort the afflicted, seek justice for people experiencing homelessness, and provide hope and opportunity within their community.

Our commitment

For many, Holy Apostles provides the only hot meal they will eat that day.

Holy Apostles is currently the largest soup kitchen in New York State, operating in the landmark sanctuary of the Church of the Holy Apostles. The Soup Kitchen has never missed a meal service in its 42-year history, even in the aftermath of a devastating parish fire in 1990, the power outage caused by Hurricane Sandy, the tragic September 11th attacks, and now the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to COVID-19, Holy Apostles launched Operation HopeFULL, a digital campaign that rallied support from the broader New York City community, including furloughed chefs, small businesses, corporate sponsors, nonprofit partners, philanthropy, and everyday New Yorkers.

Our performance

Holy Apostles is a trusted community institution and a responsible steward of both public and private resources.

Holy Apostles tradition of hospitality dates back to 1844, when the Church first opened its doors. Since launching Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen in 1982, we have provided over 15 million meals and counting. Learn more on our Guidestar profile, and download our financials below.

Download Financials
Download Annual Report

For everyone

Holy Apostles has an open-door policy—everyone is welcome.

Holy Apostles provides over 5,000 hot, nutritious meals every weekday to guests who come from all five boroughs of New York City. The Soup Kitchen also runs a pantry program, which distributes over 198,000 of groceries every week, and hosts a monthly Sunday Supper. We’ve also become food waste prevention advocates. Beyond the quantity of meals served, Holy Apostles is dedicated to providing guests with sustenance, nourishment, and a sense of hope.

Sustainability

Responsible stewards of our environment.

As New York’s largest soup kitchen, our daily meal service plays a vital role in the City’s zero-waste efforts. From repurposing surplus food that would otherwise end up in the municipal waste stream, to composting food and paper products, and sourcing the food we purchase from New York State farms, we are committed to ensuring a healthier environment for tomorrow’s generations.

TEAM
Wolfe
THE REV. DR. ANNA S. PEARSON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Anna is especially interested in spiritual tenacity, courage and humor, and she has experienced all that and more at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. She feels it is a privilege and a joy to work with guests, volunteers and supporters in the work of establishing relationships focused on addressing immediate human needs.

Wolfe
Michael Ottley
Chief Operating Officer

A chef of nearly 30 years, Chef Michael’s passion is unearthing fresh, sustainable community agriculture and applying those concepts to operations at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. After two decades of working in hospitality management and food operations, Michael applied his craft and skills to a new demographic—New York City’s hungry and most vulnerable population.

Adminstration & Development

Wendy Shepherd | Parish Administrator

Elizabeth Starling | Director of Development 
Kayla Mills | Marketing and Communications Associate
Justin Zucker | Development Associate
 

 

Culinary

Chris Molinari | Culinary Operations Manager

Pablo Guzman | Prep Cook

Romulo Minchala | Prep Cook

Jammar Robinson | Prep Cook

 

Service

Bruce Edwards | Security / Porter

Ousmane Kabore | Porter / Dishwasher

Maicej Majier | Building Conservator

Leonard Santana | Security / Porter

Jose Terron | Porter / Security / Dishwasher

Noel Tlatelpa | Senior Porter / Event Security

Olimpo Tlatelpa | Porter / Event Security

Coordinators / Specialists

Jay Alfaro | Manager of Social Services and Partnerships

Shakira Cruz | Pantry Coordinator

Steve Fanto | Manager of Volunteer and Community Services 

Daniel Velez | Program Assistant

Derrick Walker | Meal Outreach Specialist

I enjoy being here, the music, the Writers Den, the people. Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen gives me a chance to get away from being homeless. It’s life-giving.

Maurice, Soup Kitchen Guest

Corporate support

Good Corporate Citizen

The Good Corporate Citizen program is Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen’s primary vehicle for corporate engagement through sponsorship and volunteerism. By joining, companies demonstrate their alliance with the local community while enhancing relationships across individual employees.

Learn More

Sponsor the Soup Kitchen

Contact Development Department, at [email protected]

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Church of the Holy Apostles

We are an open, inclusive Christian Church celebrating in the Episcopal tradition.

Sunday Service is held 11AM (on site and via livestream). Weekday services are held on Zoom.

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For Newcomers

Learn about our faith community and explore ways to connect with our work and worship.

Sermons

Reflections on Holy Scripture from our Clergy.

History

Founded in 1844, with a focus on social activism and the desire for social justice.

Clergy, Staff & Vestry

The Vestry is the governing body of the Church of the Holy Apostles.

MUSIC

Music commands a strong presence at the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Space Rental

Host your next meeting or event in our landmark building.

Soup Kitchen & Pantry

Nourishing hungry New Yorkers since 1982 in an atmosphere of respect and hospitality.

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Daily meal service

Serving a free, nutritious meal every weekday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Meal outreach

Distributing bagged breakfasts and lunches throughout Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.

About the soup kitchen

Learn more about our mission, our history, our performance, who we are, and what we do.

Pantry Program

Providing fresh and nutritious groceries to food-insecure New Yorkers.

Sunday Supper

Bridging generations and building community over a monthly family style meal.

Give Layers of Love this Winter

Help Keep Our Guests Warm this Winter.

Social Support

Meeting basic needs, stabilizing lives, and supporting individuals and families to achieve their goals.

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SOCIAL SERVICES

Addressing the needs of the whole person through basic needs, counseling, and referrals.

Classes

Offering learning and skill-building opportunities.

Community Partnership

Partnering with others to expand the services offered to our guests.

Get Involved

Holy Apostles is a great place to channel your time, talents and generosity for good.

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Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Partner

Join our efforts to serve others and provide for people who are vulnerable.

Donate

Your gift provides food, community, and hope to New Yorkers in need.

The Latest

Stay up-to-date on all happenings at Holy Apostles.

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Food For The Soul

The official blog of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

Voices of Our Community

Guest stories, poetry, and more.

EVENTS

See our calendar of events.

Church Pulpit Posts

Read weekly meditations written by our clergy.

Newsroom

Holy Apostles in the news.