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 in the aftermath of a devastating parish fire in 1990, the tragic September 11th attacks, the power outage caused by Hurricane Sandy, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
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 18.5 million meals and counting. Learn more on our Guidestar profile, and view or download our financials below.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Sponsor the Soup Kitchen
Contact Development Department, at [email protected]
Our Sponsors
Subscribe to receive the latest news, events, volunteer opportunities, and more — right to your inbox.