Franciscan Kitchen

Franciscan Kitchen is an independent, Catholic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served meals to approximately 500 individuals in need each weekday since its founding in 1980. The organization was established by Franciscan friar Brother Jim Fields, who converted an abandoned tavern in the Smoketown neighborhood into a community dining facility where volunteers prepare and serve freshly-cooked hot meals to anyone seeking food, no questions asked. With support from community partners including Dare to Care Food Bank and Kentucky Harvest, along with donations from volunteers and local businesses, Franciscan Kitchen continues its mission of addressing hunger and homelessness in downtown Louisville.