[RECAP] Coffee with Maggie Kane

A Mission to Serve
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For Maggie Kane and A Place at the Table, it’s always been about the mission – a mission focused on people.

“Our main mission is to provide community and good food for all regardless of needs,” said Kane, the founder and executive director of A Place at the Table, speaking at our virtual Coffee with Leaders.

The nonprofit is a pay-what-you-can-cafe in downtown Raleigh. It opened on Jan. 8, 2018. Since then, it has served tens of thousands of meals in our community.

But, as we all know, this year has been different.

“COVID-19 hit and we saw such an uptick of folks coming in,” said Kane. “We realized we had to pivot because we knew our mission was going to change drastically.”

Kane, who recently did a TEDx Talk, spoke with us about continuing to meet the community’s needs, even during challenging times.

“Our team rallied and did everything possible to ensure that we continued to live our mission,” she said. “Our team didn’t close for a single day. Truly, how we did it was by having a great team.”

During the first 11 weeks of the pandemic, A Place at the Table served more than 15,400 meals.

“We shortened our hours so that our staff could be safe,” said Kane. “We shortened our menu, as well.”

The need is tremendous.

“Right now, we’re doing about 300 meals a day,” Kane said. “Pre COVID-19, about 70% of people paid for their money. POST COVID-19, 80% are not paying for their meal. We feel fortunate to be able to stay open.”

A Place at the Table isn’t just staying open, but expanding.

The organization recently grew, expanding into a neighboring property on Hargett Street.

Right now, A Place at the Table is open Wednesday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kane thanked the community, who continues to volunteer and donate.

We thank her, not only for sharing her story with us at Coffee with Leaders, but for what she means to the people of Raleigh.

We also want to thank our series sponsor, First Bank, for its continued support and partnership with us.

Our next virtual Coffee with Leaders will be on Sept. 16 where we will hear from Cydney Davis-English, owner of The English Garden Florist and Two Maids & A Mop Raleigh. We look forward to seeing you online for her talk.