Sophia's Kitchen
Welcome to Sophia's Kitchen
Sophia's Kitchen embodies the Catholic spirit of serving those in need by providing food, spiritual guidance, and support for health needs.
Inspired by the teachings of St. Francis and operating in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, we are dedicated to alleviating hunger and nurturing the souls of those in need.
Nourishing Body and Soul
At Sophia's Kitchen, our mission can be summed up in a single word: NOURISH. We are dedicated to providing nourishment for both the bodies and souls of those who are hungry, following the teachings of God's Holy Church.
Join Us
If you would like to donate or to join one of our dedicated crews on a regular, weekly basis, please select one of the options from this page. Sophia’s Kitchen welcomes visiting groups who come to help just once. Help is always needed for our Friday pantry from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
To book your group of 10 or fewer people, mail soupkitchen2010@gmail.com or call (309) 655-1578.
Our Mission
As a mission of the Heart of Peoria Catholic Community, Sophia’s Kitchen believes in providing nourishment to those most in need through food for the day, support for their health needs and spiritual guidance for their immortal souls.
At Sophia's Kitchen, our mission is to serve the hungry, homeless, underemployed, unemployed, veterans, the elderly, and the broken. We do this by offering a daily menu that varies as we rely on the grace of God to provide.
Our volunteers, driven by the spirit of St. Francis, prepare hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches daily, and we receive generous donations from local food banks, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure our meals are filling and nutritious.
Who We Serve
Every guest at Sophia's Kitchen is treated with the utmost dignity and respect, reflecting the love of Christ. We believe that no one should go hungry, and our doors are open to anyone in need.
Guests can either take a bag lunch to go or join us in our dining room, where our dedicated volunteers share their faith. All are welcome, and we aim to offer not just nourishment for the body but also hope and companionship.
Visit Us
Sophia's Kitchen is conveniently located at St. Joseph Hall, 105 N Richard Pryor Place, adjacent to the historic St. Joseph Church.
Our doors are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. Our building is handicap accessible. Hot meals are served.
Whether you're seeking a warm meal, a sense of community, or a moment of spiritual reflection, Sophia's Kitchen is here to welcome you with open arms.
Food Pantry
A Food Pantry is offered on Fridays from noon to 3 PM. All are welcome to come to our client-choice pantry.
Pet Pantry
A Pet Pantry is offered every Thursday at 1 PM. Please bring proof of pet ownership, such as a rabies certificate or recent vet bill.
We are closed on the following dates in 2026:
May 22 & 25 (Memorial Day)
September 4 & 7 (Labor Day)
September 24 (Beatification of Fulton Sheen)
November 25, 26, & 27 (Thanksgiving)
December 24 & 25 (Christmas)
December 31 & January 1 (New Year's)
Support Our Mission
Sophia's Kitchen is made possible through the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our community. Donations are gratefully accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Your support helps us continue our mission of providing nourishment for the body and soul to those most in need.
THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF SOPHIA'S KITCHEN.
YOU HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THOSE WE SERVE.
Mr. John J. Gibson II
Director of Bessette Center
jjgibson@ccdop.org
(309) 966-4488
Sister Clare Key, DFS
Mission Coordinator
sr_clare@ccdop.org
(309) 966-4488
Sister Vilma Loquez, FAS
Staff
(309) 966-4488
Father Don Roszkowski
Chaplain
(309) 966-4488
Sister Merlinda Marco, FAS
Staff
(309) 966-4488
Phone: (309) 671-1550 | Fax: (309) 671-1579 | Spalding Pastoral Center | 419 NE Madison Avenue, Peoria, IL. 61603