Bean’s Cafe exists to fight hunger for all ages, one meal at a time, while providing a pathway to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect. Our continued focus is feeding the hungry and homeless in our community.
Bean’s Cafe Services
Click here for an overall list of needed items for lunch/dinner. Click here for a list of breakfast items. We are now providing all meals through a mobile food distribution model. Instead of individuals coming to us, or one central location- we are bringing food to where the individuals are. Shelters, supportive housing, etc. We partner with numerous organizations in the community to ensure individuals receive the food they need each day.
All food donations can be dropped off at our new kitchen and warehouse facility located at 1524 Ship Avenue. Donation hours are Monday- Friday between 9 am - 4 pm.
Our top necessities continue to be food and money to purchase food and supplies associated with meal distribution.
Since March 2020, thanks to generous donors we have been able to serve more than 1.6-million meals between Bean's Cafe and The Children's Lunchbox.
Visit our Give Help page for details.
Children’s Lunchbox:
In order to meet increased demand for food services, the Children’s Lunchbox needs your help with donations of food and funds for feeding children and families. Our need is greater than ever. Find out more by clicking here.
Please note we do not currently offer in-person volunteer opportunities. Please check back at a later date.
Feeding the Hungry and Homeless Since 1979
Vision and Mission
We exist to fight hunger for all ages, one meal at a time while providing a pathway to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect.
“The premise of Bean’s Cafe is a deep belief in the inherent dignity of every person, a belief that people respond with kindness when treated kindly, with trust when trusted, and respectfully when respected. Our aim is not to set up a value system – determining what is right or wrong – or a way of life for persons, but allow them to form their own. In this situation, a person is not pressured into acting in a special way, and their response is free, lasting, and more fully themselves.”
– Bean’s Cafe Founding Documents, 1979
Adult Meals
We provide meals to anyone in need 365 days a year. Not all of our clients are homeless – many individuals struggle to make ends meet.
Meal service is provided using a mobile food distribution model and we work with partners throughout Anchorage to ensure meals are being delivered daily.
Child Nutrition Program
This program has changed slightly with the arrival of COVID-19 to Anchorage in March 2020. You can find updates on The Children’s Lunchbox page.
The Children’s Lunchbox is our child nutrition program. We provide both fresh and non-perishable meals, known as pantry boxes to local community programs serving children and families. These meals are prepared and delivered to partner sites where they are distributed.
Permanency Navigation/Streets to Success:
If you are a single adult (living in a shelter or outside), are employed or workforce ready, and can maintain a sober lifestyle, you may qualify for assistance through our Streets to Success program. Please email navigation@beanscafe.org or phone 907.538.7049
Streets to Success offers:
• Access to housing
• Permanency Navigators who will help support you through life’s challenges
• Life skills coaching
• Resume workshops
• Education and Employment workshops
• Budgeting classes
• Peer support and mentorship
• Assistance with stable, permanent housing
• And much, much, more!
Beans' Cafe and The Children's Lunchbox has served more than 1.5-million meals since March 2020!
The Children’s Lunchbox (TCL) is a program of Bean’s Cafe, founded in 2004 in response to the growing number of hungry children in our community. Since its humble beginnings at Mt. View Elementary, our child nutrition program has grown up, and now serves more meals than Bean’s Cafe!
Visit The Children’s Lunchbox page for our current food campaign and information.
Bean’s Cafe has a history of helping those in need. Whether you’re a client or volunteer, we’d like to hear your history.