The Honorary Kitchen FAQ: Getting Help, Giving and Volunteering

Here are straight answers to the questions people ask us most, whether you need a meal, want to give or want to help.

What is The Honorary Kitchen?

The Honorary Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2023 by Tracee Patterson. We provide hot meals, groceries and a seat at the table for seniors, veterans, families and unhoused neighbors. Our guiding principle is honor first, food second: the people we serve are honorees, not recipients.

Who can get help from The Honorary Kitchen?

Anyone going through a hard season. We serve seniors on fixed incomes, veterans, families and neighbors experiencing homelessness. There are no case numbers, and no one has to prove they deserve a meal or tell their story twice.

Do I have to live in a certain city or zip code?

No. Need does not stop at a city line, and neither do we. We have served neighbors in Denver, Lakewood, Northglenn, Aurora and beyond, and our delivery agents bring food to people who cannot get to us.

How do I ask for help?

Email support@thehonorarykitchen.com or call (983) 444-5540 and tell us what would help. We will talk with you about meals, groceries or connecting you with partner organizations for housing, health care and family services.

What programs does The Honorary Kitchen run?

Senior SNAP Supplement provides groceries and fresh bread that help seniors stretch their SNAP benefits to the end of the month. Coffee with Veterans is a monthly lunch and coffee gathering, and we also bring meals to veterans living unhoused. The Brown Paper Bag program, where we began, brings meals directly to neighbors experiencing homelessness. We also host holiday meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

How much impact does a donation make?

Every $7 pays for one hot meal. A $25 gift covers about 3 meals, $50 covers 7 meals, $100 covers 14 meals and $250 covers 35 meals. Since 2023 we have served 10,865 meals and supported 127 seniors beyond SNAP.

Has The Honorary Kitchen been recognized?

Yes. The Honorary Kitchen is profiled in "Continuing the Feast: Food Rescue in Urban Events and Its Impact on Sustainable Food Systems," research by Christine A. Cleaver, Ed.D., and Ronald J. Naples of New York University. The paper features The Honorary Kitchen alongside City Harvest and Philabundance as an example of relationship-based, dignified food rescue.

Is The Honorary Kitchen a 501(c)(3), and is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. The Honorary Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Every donation made through our secure Donorbox page comes with an emailed tax receipt that includes our EIN.

How can I donate?

Give online at thehonorarykitchen.com/give. You can make a one-time gift or join the Honor Circle with a monthly gift. Donations are processed securely by Donorbox, and we never see or store card details.

How can I volunteer?

Sign up at thehonorarykitchen.com/volunteer. Volunteers help with meal prep and cooking, delivering meals, serving at events, packing brown-bag meals, picking up donated food and gardening. Tell us when you are available and we will be in touch.

Can I donate food or equipment?

Yes. We welcome food donations and equipment. Right now we especially need 2 refrigerators and 2 freezers in good working order so donated food can be stored safely. Email support@thehonorarykitchen.com to offer an item.

How is Honorary Grounds Coffee Co. connected to The Honorary Kitchen?

Honorary Grounds Coffee Co. is our sister company. Every bag of coffee sold helps fund meals through The Honorary Kitchen, so buying coffee at honorarygroundscoffee.com is another way to feed a neighbor.