2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Kitchen on the Street Inc

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Food, Food Banks & Pantries

Mission: Roughly 600,000 Arizona children qualify for federally funded breakfast and lunch, due to their family’s income being below the poverty level! A child’s diet influences his or her mental function and abilities. Children who do not receive the necessary nutrients from their diet have a more difficult time reaching their academic potential and children who skip meals experience a decrease in cognitive performance. In 2006 Lisa Scarpinato and her husband Vince were looking for volunteer opportunities they could do with their 12-year-old daughter. They soon found that most nonprofits require volunteers to be 16 years or older. Their deep desire to serve others led them to take a hard look at their community. On 9/3/2006 during dinner with friends at their home, their lives were forever changed. That night a dinner guest shared a recent experience he witnessed at the school he worked at, wherein he watched a 2nd grade student search through the cafeteria trash for food! After investigating, he found that this student and her siblings were from a low-income family and struggled to get food on weekends, outside of school. After hearing this, Vince and Lisa started the process of forming a 501c3 nonprofit called Kitchen on the Street, for the express purposing of serving food insecure kids in AZ. Kitchen on the Street currently provides Bags of Hope (weekend food backpacks) to 2,000+ children throughout the Valley. Bags of Hope are distributed through schools and provide the nutrients necessary to properly fuel a child’s body and brain so they can be an academic success. Their research indicates that once a food insecure child receives a Bag of Hope on a regular basis, reading skills increase by 12% and math scores improve by 26%! In addition, the nonprofit hosts Family Food Pantries on school campuses and in response to COVID, has developed a FREE, confidential, online resource program to assist struggling families. The organization attempts to preserve the environment by reusing plastic bags and facilitates a food rescue program, since food is the largest source of waste in US landfills. Kitchen on the Street is KID friendly, allowing children ages 10 and up to volunteer; they also welcome school Field Trips and have developed a “Taking it to the Streets” curriculum that is done in school classrooms, using videos, games and activities to educate the next generation on how just one life event can create food insecurity. Every August they kick-off a year long Jr. Board Member experience for Jr. High, High School and College Students as another means of educating youth on food insecurity and engaging them in the process of finding creative solutions to this social injustice. This hunger relief organization is of the firm believe that childhood hunger can be eliminated. They belief that so strongly that they introduced a dinosaur mascot with a mission to “make childhood hunger extinct”.

Community Stories

55 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

pwolff General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/14/2024

Lisa, CEO & co-founder of Kitchen on the Street, recently visited my classroom to speak with my students. She is an expert on issues of food insecurity, but what really sets her presentations apart is her ability to connect with kids. Through interactive activities, meaningful visuals, and powerful personal stories, Lisa made the mission of Kitchen on the Street accessible to my students. They learned so much from her visit and left inspired to become community changemakers!

krg925 Donor

Rating: 5

09/04/2024

They do a great job making sure they have meals for children who need them.

1

bricoop43 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/21/2023

Making a huge impact on our community. Thank you for all you do. Amazing place to volunteer. Saving our kids week after week. This is such a huge program and we hope they reach more and more schools nationwide. Please help support this program.

rhondabutlerAZ Donor

Rating: 5

09/20/2023

When I started at my company our Community Relations Manager worked with Kitchen on the Street (KOS). She asked me to coordinate a food drive for KOS. Lisa was really easy to work with and very appreciative of our donations. We then planned a volunteer event at KOS for our employees. There I learned so much about how they got started and what they are doing for the underserved children in the community. They want to eliminate childhood hunger in AZ. They have several programs to help them get there. I have now worked with KOS for the past 4 years and so grateful that I was given the opportunity to work with them. We now have food drives, back to school drives and volunteer events at KOS. GREAT Organization.

1

isaacalvarez85 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/20/2023

The impact that Kitchen on the Street has on the community is very impressive. There is the impact that it has providing meals through the bags of hope program. However as a board member I see the impact that it has when its story is shared. People’s eyes open as they find out how hunger is still a large issue today and how it can impact the future of those affected. Kitchen on the Street Also has a large focus on educating the community so it can truly end hunger in our communities.

1

pegwoodard23 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/20/2023

My family has been a part of food drives, packing events, and food nutrition lessons for school-age children given by Kitchen on the Street. This is an amazing charity that reaches so many!

1

kaseylouwho Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/20/2023

Such a great nonprofit, and the staff was so enthusiastic and kept spirits going while we were doing our part to help. They really explained what, who and why they are, and we learned a bit about the reality many families face. A handful of us went to help bag meals for community outreach in name of our dealership. At least 3 of us left with plans to return with our families. You can tell they definitely utilize every donation wisely.

2

Ale18 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/31/2023

I have volunteered, worked and partner up with Kitchen on the Street for years. My experience with all of it has been great. They are great people who love and care about youth. Lisa has done an amazing job with her team providing food, tools and much more not just to kids but to families as well.

2

samanthafaraci Donor

Rating: 5

08/31/2023

Our family has donated to KOS for MANY years dating back to when they had their cafe at Scottsdale and Shea (Which we really miss!) and even before. Lisa, Vince and the entire team are so friendly and welcoming. They are extremely passionate about their mission and it shows! I'm thankful that so many children in our state are able to benefit from their good work. They touch many many lives each week! They have touched our lives and our hearts too!

2

sp2023 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/31/2023

Working with Kitchen on the Street has been such a joyful and wonderful experience. Lisa is so much fun and always comes with such great ideas on how to help the children and the families we serve. The amount of time, effort and love that is poured into Kitchen on the Street is very clear as soon as you start working with them. The staff is amazing and always comes ready to serve and help out in any way they can. So grateful for Kitchen on the Street!!

2

JB2023 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/30/2023

Kitchen on the Street is a wonderful nonprofit partner! They bring tremendous value to the communities we serve. They make learning about nutrition fun for our kids, they provide healthy snacks, and support our community events. Couldn't ask for a better partner!!

2

gmcfeely76 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/29/2023

KOS is doing amazing and crucial work in our community! Food insecurity is a huge contributor to a child's poor performance in school and overall well being. KOS is making great strides in eliminating hungry children and partnering with struggling families. Being able to volunteer at their facility has been a true joy for me, my family and the company I work for. We love Kitchen on the Street! Thank you Vince & Lisa for all you're doing to see a future where no child has to be hungry become a reality.

3

emily.hobrock Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/06/2023

Kitchen on the Street is making a huge impact in the lives of all who have the privilege of crossing paths with them, be it students, parents of students, volunteers, donors, student interns gaining professional nonprofit experience, and various others who they don’t even know. Kitchen on the Street has beautifully found and created a solution to help fight hunger in their own backyard. They meet people where they are at and love them like Christ does.

My personal experience with Kitchen on the Street has been through my time as an intern during my time at Arizona Christian University. Vince and Lisa took time to teach me the ins and outs of how to run a successful nonprofit, while also exemplifying what it means to tangibly serve and show up for those in my community. I have been blessed to be a part of and witness the wonderful ministry of Kitchen on the Street. It is my joy to know and be known by Kitchen on the Street and to get to share their ministry with my network, in order to continue to fight to end hunger in my community.

3

Godunns General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/05/2023

Since it’s beginning, Kitchen on the street has been helping the community stay fed. They provide hundreds of food bags each week for hungry kids in our public schools. Everyone involved in this non-profit are genuine caring people. I have supported them from the beginning and will continue supporting their work.

3

forusonly718 Donor

Rating: 5

07/05/2023

This is one of our favorite outreach programs! We believe wholeheartedly in their mission! They truly believe in selfless giving and outreach to feed food challenged children & their families! We agree that children need to be fed to learn. We will continue to support and follow Kitchen on the Street in AZ! THANK YOU for the example you set and the tireless hours and energy you put into feeding the hungry! God bless!

1

Kristina M.9 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/19/2021

I have worked with this organization for a few years now on the compliance side of the house. The compassion and drive of its team is awe inspiring! When people ask why I work solely with nonprofits, and I say it is because I love supporting organizations that are changing the world, this is one of my examples. If you are looking for a place to volunteer or donate to help children with hunger insecurity, you could not do better than here!

NFles General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/18/2021

Kitchen on the Street is such an incredible organization lead by such selfless, amazing individuals. KOS makes a direct positive impact to our community and is one of the most wonderful organizations I have ever volunteered with.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2019

Love everything KOS stands for and the difference they make in the lives of others. It is life changing when volunteering knowing the Bags of Hope you are putting together help feed little bellies that would otherwise go hungry. Amazing organization created by incredible human beings.

Dream74 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/28/2021

When I was a child I remember that the night I was always in my window ...I saw the sky, the stars and the moon, I listened the more people that scare and was so litigious, so I

Eric H.7 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/07/2020

I spent a cold AZ morning around Christmas 2019 packing boxes with a great crew. Didn’t hurt that I got to do this alongside my most favorite person in this world. I would be a permanent addition there if I lived in AZ. Keep on keeping on and I will be back soon to help again.

Heart4AZKids Board Member

Rating: 5

09/02/2020

Not only does Kitchen on the Street (KOS) feed 2,000 children in AZ weekly, it is also an ethical, well-organized nonprofit. The KOS mission is to provide hope to families experiencing food insecurity. This mission is accomplished through compassionately and consistently working with schools to provide food bags for children and families. What's more, volunteers who pack the bags have a blast! I am so proud to be part of this organization.

melibro4 Donor

Rating: 5

09/18/2019

Kitchen on the Street does amazing work for students and families in the Valley. They strive to build stronger families and communities.

1

Venita B. Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2019

I love volunteering with this group. Their leadership invests wonderfully in volunteers. They always seem prepared when our group gets there and we always leave feeling like we have really helped out the kids in Phoenix. Thank you for all you do!

1

Amy B.5 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2019

KOS is compassionate about helping kids get the food they need. This is why I volunteer and promote this wonderful organization. Their passion truly shows and I love what they do to help the community.

1

Heather R.4 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2019

I love Kitchen on the Street! They are an amazing heartfelt organization that does so much to ensure kids don't go hungry. I attended a volunteer event and it was such a great experience. The energy and efficiency during the event was super cool! One of the things I love most is how they are able to educate the community on the effects of hunger and how by providing nutrition, it makes a huge difference in not only the attitudes & health of the kids but also in test scores and academic results. They seem to stretch every dollar and they make it count! I will continue to spread the word about this great non-profit, it is full of incredible people!

John Sharpnack Board Member

Rating: 5

09/17/2019

I have been volunteering with this organization for over 8 years now and have loved every moment. All of my friends and family are always looking to help in anyway they can. It is nice to help children in our communities, but even better to see how many people want to help when they hear the story of KOS.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/19/2013

I have been volunteering with KOS for several years and have nothing but great things to say about the organization, I recommend them to everyone I know and often bring friends with me to the volunteer events. The care that Vince, Lisa and the entire KOS family show for the hungry children in the community is amazing. If you are ever able to help this organization in any way you will feel the same way I do.

DBukowski81 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2019

When kitchen on the street operated street cafe I worked there for awhile. It was very rewarding knowing I was helping earn funds to provide kids with meals. Vince and Lisa are great people and run a great organization. Wish there would have been something similar available when I was a kid in school.

aaronf_16 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/17/2019

Great organization that is making a difference in childhood hunger. Being that kid growing up has played a huge part in being able to give back now later in life.

Christine D.6 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/17/2019

What a fantastic organization! Phoenix is so lucky to have them here. Great leadership, creative thinking on how to engage volunteers and serve their clients. These folks are deserving of your donations or your time.

RGrimaud Board Member

Rating: 5

09/03/2019

KOS just passed the 13 year mark in operation. The number of children and people helped by KOS is immeasurable. From the humble beginnings in the founders kitchen, helping a few children a week to an organization that helps 2000+ children a week has been no small feat. It has taken the tireless efforts of the founders, Vince and Lisa Scarpinato, to committed board members, thousands of volunteers and incredible corporate partners to accomplish it all. From my personal perspective, never have I ever been more fulfilled than while I volunteer at KOS helping people. Don’t take my word for it, dig a little deeper and check out KOS for yourself.

Previous Stories
1

Board Member

Rating: 5

03/19/2015

I have been volunteering and serving with this organization for a number of years and I can honestly say I've never worked with a organization whose has worked as hard and remained as focused as KOS has in fulfilling their mission of ending hunger one child at a time. Where other people would walk away when things get tough, Vince and Lisa just keep going sacrificing personal resources and countless hours to continue the mission. This unselfishness when witnessed by those who volunteer with KOS becomes infectious. People are truly and positively affected by KOS.

Alisa G.1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/21/2019

Lisa and Vince have created an impressive conduit that engages people and companies to help kids get the nutritious food they need so they can learn better and enjoy being a kid instead of struggling to find some kind, any kind, of nourishment! Big hearts, bigger impact!

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

Lisa and Vince started Kitchen on the Street a program, "Bags of Hope" that provides nutritious meals to kids to help them get through the weekend... they wouldn't have that if it weren't for the kind and generous hearts of Lisa and Vince! I have had the honor and privilege to help at food packing projects, so grateful that they recognized the need of these kids AND were able to do something to help!

dljmoore General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/02/2018

We have used Kitchen on the Street for delicious catering for our Sr. Pastors Conference at Harvest Bible Church. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced! Lisa and her husband gave us great service. Thank you Kitchen on the Street, you guys are great!

michfan Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2018

Kitchen on the Street is a great organization that helps out so many students. Vince and Lisa are two of the best!

1

bmuhlbach Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2018

This was the first time I volunteered for this very worth-while event, and found it stimulating and upbeat. It supports our homeless, and children in our neighborhoods that are less fortunate than others. I feel very empathetic to feeding our less fortunate due to circumstances, and love the idea behind Kitchen on the Street. I will continue to volunteer for this Nonprofit in the future. Way to go Team!!

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

I work at UHC and we partner with Kitchen on the Street to pack bags of hope for kids. It is one if my favorite charity events we partner with. Kitchen on the street is absolutely fabulous.

knewey6 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

I've always struggled to find a volunteer group I felt comfortable with. My 1st time with Kitchen on the Street and the atmosphere immediately made me feel welcome. United towards a common goal, from working with the leaders to the other volunteers, I always feel a true sense of togetherness. I am thankful for the chance to help a great organization with a wholesome purpose.

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

Kitchen on the Street is a wonderful non-profit....I always enjoy my self when I help pack Bags of Hope.

courtneyjohnson Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

Kitchen on the Street not only fills a tremendous need by keeping the bellies of hungry children in the Valley full, but also provides phenomenal volunteer activities for our employees. Each time we conduct our "Pack the House" volunteer projects, they always fill very quickly and are extremely popular among our employees. Lisa and Vince are AMAZING!

Tuggybug2 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

Terrific nonprofit. We have partnered with them to provide lunches for teacher appreciation days, and a portion of our cost for lunch actually comes back to the school in form of hunger backpacks that go home with kids in need. The lunches are great, and your donation can come full circle!

Angela Blakeslee S. Client Served

Rating: 5

10/29/2018

This is an amazing charity! We’ve used them multiple times for catering and it’s always win-win because we know we are supporting an amazing cause while receiving great food. Love love love what you are doing KOS!!! Keep up the great work!

Sara C.5 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/29/2018

I have been volunteering with Kitchen on the Street for many years. The number of lives they have touched through bags of hope is incredible. If you are looking for a wonderful way to give back I recommend volunteering here and seeing just how life changing these bags are.

abigailsrose Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/29/2018

I’ve been able to be a volunteer for Kitchen on the Street for many years now! Lisa and Vince are the most giving, focus driven people i have ever met. I love this organization and all they stand for!

Eloisa G. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/29/2018

What this nonprofit does for kids is nothing short of incredible. Amazing people!

sueannheim General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/28/2018

A most needed and helpful charity. : Turning hunger into hope...one child at a time.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Roughly 1,500 children each weekend via Bags of Hope

Programs: Bags of Hope are backpacks of food that provide a hungry child with meals and snacks on weekends. This program works in conjunction with school food programs to ensure that impoverished children have access to food 7 days a week.

calva Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2018

I have been volunteering with KOS for several years. Vince and Lisa, the founders, do everything they can to provide food for children that are food insecure. My family and I love working with them to end childhood hunger. No child should go hungry.

dunnfamily4 Donor

Rating: 5

10/28/2018

Kitchen on the Street is an organization built on faith and love for others. Through Lisa and Vince’s vision children are able to bring home substanative food that they can eat throughout the weekend in their Bags of Hope, otherwise they may go hungry until they get back to school. Thank God for Angels like Kitchen on the Street!!

schroeder4819 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2018

I have been involved with this great organization for several years. They do such great work feeding children. Thank you for what you do

Vince S.1 Board Member

Rating: 5

10/28/2018

Kitchen on the Street has been the most impactful journey in our lives.... The opportunity that has been put in our path has provided us the understanding and realization that we are here to provide for and share with the least of these, and not ourselves. Turning hunger into hope is an amazing way to walk in faith.

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

10/28/2018

Vince and Lisa are the real deal, they are totally committed to their ministry. They are serious about helping the community to end hunger. Their hearts are for the children and I’m proud to support this genuine ministry.

1

Life_Is_Grand Client Served

Rating: 5

03/22/2015

I recently attended a 5 day conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lisa and her team at Kitchen on the Streets served us amazing meals every day, three times a day. Always with a FABulous smile and time to share with us. In that week Lisa and her team were able to create 26,000 meals for people in need - this is a truly amazing gift to give, and it is given with a lot of heart. If you ever have the opportunity to support or work with Kitchen on the Streets, please do.

RayRay1797 Client Served

Rating: 5

03/19/2015

We love Kitchen on the Street! They make amazing quality food and serve with a smile. Their prices are phenomenal and what is even better is knowing that you are helping them feed kids need while they are feeding you. I highly recommend you work with them... hire them to cater your meals, help them cater meals, help them pack kids lunches... help them find more clients... just help them. They are amazing, good people, making delicious food and making a huge difference in the lives of local kids!

Alicia22 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/19/2013

I have started learning more about and volunteering with Kitchen on the Street in San Antonio this year. I can honestly say I feel everyone I have spoken to is dedicated and really cares about feeding children. I also feel without a shadow of a doubt that all the money fundraised goes directly to supplies for the food bags for the kids. I think Kitchen on the Street is a trustworthy charity fully commited to its mission. I definently plan to continue to help and learn more!

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