A Place at the Table: Kansas City's Pay-What-You-Can Restaurants

Kansas City has started to open pay-what-you restaurants in addition to soup kitchens and food pantries to help people who are facing food insecurity and homelessness afford nourishing meals. 

1. Thelma’s Kitchen

Located at 3101 Troost Avenue, Thelma’s Kitchen is Kansas City's first pay-it-forward restaurant. Operated by Reconciliation Services, a non-profit that aims to address poverty and trauma, it offers lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meals are priced on a scale from $1 to $15, allowing customers to pay what they can afford. Those unable to pay can volunteer in exchange for a meal. Additionally, Reconciliation Services provides tokens redeemable for meals, ensuring access for those in need.

2. One City Café

Operated by the Bishop Sullivan Center, One City Café offers free meals to the community. Lunch is available Monday through Friday from 12 to 1 p.m., and dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m. While donations are accepted, they are not required, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food regardless of their financial situation.

3. The Prospect KC

The Prospect KC serves over 500 hot, nutritious meals every weekday through its Nourish KC Community Kitchen. For many, this is the only meal they'll eat all day. The organization emphasizes the importance of providing consistent, healthy meals to those facing food insecurity.

4. Big Belly’s Italian American Kitchen

Big Belly’s Italian American Kitchen offers a unique initiative called "The Broken Table," where individuals in need can enjoy a free meal without questions asked. Patrons can pay what they can, fostering a sense of community and support for those facing hardships.

5. Crossroads Community Kitchen

During challenging times, Crossroads Community Kitchen has provided thousands of pay-what-you-can meals to the community. They have also prepared meals for hospital workers, homeless shelters, churches, and childcare facilities, demonstrating a commitment to serving diverse community needs.

6. The Spot 

Just outside Kansas City, in Belton, Missouri, The Spot operates as a community cafe, where everything is pay-what-you-can. It provides hot homemade meals and also functions as a food pantry set up like a grocery store, aiming to remove the stigma associated with seeking help.

These establishments exemplify Kansas City's dedication to combating food insecurity through innovative and compassionate approaches. By offering meals without financial barriers, they not only nourish the body but also help out the homeless tremendously.