Shelter Meal Program

The St. Ignatius Shelter Meal Program fosters community, lifts souls, and nourishes the bodies and spirits of homeless people and volunteers. A shared meal is one of the most fundamental forms of human interaction, and a fine meal, carefully prepared, is an act of love. We create a temporary oasis from the harsh realities of life on the street. In an environment of warmth, hospitality, compassion, and fun, people relax, regain strength, and renew their self-respect and purpose.

The program builds community within the parish, forges bonds with the broader community, and develops solidarity and understanding with the community of homeless people. Just as we would for guests in our own homes, we make the dining room attractive with tablecloths, flowers, and music, but most of all, we make it attractive by respecting the inherent human dignity of each individual.

Photo: Volunteers working during the pandemic.

Through the work of volunteers, the Shelter Meal Program prepares over 500 wholesome meals a month for the homeless in a large institutional kitchen located on the campus of the University of San Francisco (USF). The volunteers prepare the meals on the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month. You do not need to be an experienced cook. Kitchen duties vary from prepping fruits and vegetables, buttering bread, cleaning pots and pans, to cooking.

To get a call or email about volunteering, or for general questions, please fill out a simple form and Shelter Meal Program Coordinator Tiffany Kearney will respond within a couple days.

Contact Shelter Meals Coordinator Tiffany Kearney