Brad Reubendale, CEO of So All May Eat, and the SAME Café
Oct 20, 2023
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Brad Reubendale, CEO of So All May Eat, and the SAME Café, discusses creating community through healthy food access, the participatory model of the Cafés, trauma-informed environments, expanding into libraries, and their commitment to sustainability and mutual aid.
Same Cafe fosters a sense of community through its participatory model, allowing guests to contribute and build connections.
Same Cafe's expansion into libraries aligns perfectly with the desire for connection in these environments and provides accessible food and job training opportunities.
Deep dives
The Power of Same Cafe: A Story of Hope and Community
Same Cafe, created by Brad and Libby Berkey, is a remarkable cafe that offers healthy meals served with dignity, regardless of a person's background. It has successfully created a sense of community through its innovative participation-based model. Unlike other pay-what-you-can models, Same Cafe focuses on participation, allowing guests to volunteer time, donate what they can, or give produce in exchange for delicious and nutritious meals. The cafe's emphasis on creating connections and combating loneliness has fostered a welcoming environment for people from all walks of life. Same Cafe also runs outreach programs, such as a food truck and a cook-to-work job training program, which further extend its impact and strengthen community partnerships. With its commitment to being a green restaurant, providing trauma-informed design, and prioritizing food safety, Same Cafe not only nourishes individuals but also leaves a lasting positive impact on the community.
Libraries as the Perfect Partner for Same Cafe's Expansion
Same Cafe's expansion into libraries, such as the one in Toledo, Ohio, has proven to be a natural fit. Libraries often have underutilized cafe spaces, and Same Cafe's mission to create community aligns perfectly with the desire for connection in these environments. By converting library cafe spaces into Same Cafe locations, they not only solve the issue of providing accessible and affordable food for library-goers but also offer job training opportunities and contribute to the overall wellness of the community. Same Cafe's success with the library model has opened doors to potential replication in other library systems across the country.
Mutual Aid and the Transformative Power of Same Cafe
Same Cafe operates on a mutual aid model, which fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. This model recognizes that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their background or circumstances. By emphasizing participation and providing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness or food insecurity to volunteer and gain job training skills, Same Cafe empowers and uplifts its guests. The cafe's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its trauma-informed design, resource hub, and diverse menu options that cater to different dietary needs. With a strong focus on creating beautiful spaces, fostering kindness, and building connections, Same Cafe leaves its guests feeling seen, valued, and better than they were before.
Did you know that we can build community through good food? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Brad Reubendale, CEO of So All May Eat, and the SAME Café. Reubendale discusses the mission of SAME Cafés: to create community through healthy food access. He describes the unique and sustainable “participatory model” of the Cafés, trauma-informed environments, and the unique expansion of SAME Cafes into libraries.