Stone Soup Café Celebrates 15 Years of Volunteer-Powered Mutual Aid
For Immediate Release, June 1 2026
Greenfield, MA — Stone Soup Café will celebrate 15 years of community building, shared meals, and volunteer-powered mutual aid with a free public celebration on Sunday, June 14, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on the Greenfield Town Common.
The anniversary event will feature a community meal, dancing, volunteer awards, raffles, music from DJ Bobby C, and family-friendly activities. The event is free and open to everyone.
Founded in 2010 in Montague as the “Let All Eat Café,” the organization was created by Academy Award-winning actor and anti-hunger activist Jeff Bridges alongside Zen Peacemaker founder Bernie Glassman. Rooted in the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism, the Café was created to affirm the dignity and inherent worth of every person through shared meals and community connection.
In its earliest days, people gathered each week at a farm in Montague to share a Saturday meal together. In 2010, the Café relocated to Greenfield to serve a broader community, beginning a long partnership with All Souls Church. In 2011, through a community-led naming process involving volunteers and guests, the organization officially became Stone Soup Café.
Over the last 15 years, Stone Soup Café has evolved into a cornerstone of community care and connection in Franklin County. What began as a small weekly meal now serves roughly 550-600 meals every Saturday through its Pay-What-You-Can Community Meal and home delivery programs. The organization also operates “Everybody’s Community Store,” which provides free groceries and essential items.
Kirsten Levitt, who has led the organization as the Executive Chef since 2012 and as the Executive Director since 2017, shares that the anniversary celebration is ultimately about honoring the people who have made the Café possible.
“This organization has always been powered by community,” said Levitt. “Hundreds of volunteers, donors, diners, farmers, cooks, musicians, artists, and partners have helped create a place where people can experience nourishment, belonging, and dignity. This celebration is for everyone who has helped build Stone Soup Café over the last 15 years.”
The Café’s work expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the organization quickly adapted to meet rising needs for prepared meals, grocery access, and social connection. Today, Stone Soup Café continues to focus on expanding access to healthy food while creating opportunities for people from diverse social and economic backgrounds to connect and support one another.
The June 14 celebration will also recognize the hundreds of volunteers who contribute thousands of hours each year to preparing meals, stocking the Community Store, delivering food, organizing events, and sustaining the organization’s work.
Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance at bit.ly/stonesoup15 so organizers can prepare enough food.
Stone Soup Café also extends gratitude to Greenfield Savings Bank, the event’s featured supporter and lead sponsor. Additional sponsors and raffle donations are still being welcomed.
About Stone Soup Café
Stone Soup Café creates a welcoming space in Greenfield where all are invited to share nourishment, connection, and learning. Through its Pay-What-You-Can meals, Everybody’s Community Store, and community programs, the Café works to increase access to healthy food while strengthening community connections.
Contact Info: Kirsten Levitt - Executive Director (kirsten@thestonesoupcafe.org) 413-475-0072
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Image: Stone Soup Café’s 10th Birthday, June 2022
Posted: to Community Newsletter on Mon, Jun 1, 2026
Updated: Tue, Jun 2, 2026