Universoul Cafe is a food recovery organization with a mission centered on acceptance, dignity, and tolerance. We reclaim food that is still fit for human consumption but can't be sold, transforming it through our recovery kitchen into viable products. Started in November 2019, Universoul Cafe has provided over one million meals for Sacramento community members in need. As our founder Tonya Mack says though, "Food for the body is just the beginning.”

 

One thing that makes Universoul Cafe special is our holistic approach to the entire food ecosystem. Our workforce development program employs young people to recover food, inventory, and create meals and products that serve our community partners. We are creating and establishing community food hubs that provide access to nutritious food with dignity and choice, while creating employment opportunities for those who need them most. Our model supports youth development and community empowerment. 

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Beyond just feeding people, we're building connections, fostering acceptance, and creating a sustainable model that can be replicated in communities everywhere. Universoul Cafe isn't just about meals—it's about nourishing both body and soul through community, dignity, and opportunity.