Essentials Cafe

A pay-wHat-you-can community cafe

Our Mission

We aspire to reduce food insecurity in the Lehigh Valley and to provide a place where friendships and understanding can flourish across all socio-economic groups. 


We strive to create a place of equality where everyone, with different gifts, abilities, and resources, has the opportunity to eat, find welcome, and contribute as volunteers.


Patrons at the Café donate what they can to eat food together in a warm and hospitable environment. Volunteers work together to grow, cook, and serve food in warm and welcoming ways.

Let's Eat

How Does It Work?

GIVE SOME

Donate What You Can

 GIVE

The Suggested Donation

GIVE MORE

Pay It Forward

GIVE YOUR TIME

Volunteer

We Offer

  • Great Tasting, Quality Coffee
  • Homemade Baked Goods, Egg Sandwiches, French Toast Bakes and Omelettes
  • Soups, Salads, Sandwiches and Daily Lunch Specials
  • Convenient Location, 2 Blocks from Broad St.& 3rd Ave.
  • A Warm, Friendly, Welcoming Environment

We operate on Donations and Goodwill

We do not have fixed prices. Instead, you will receive a suggested donation for your meal. You can contribute whatever you are able. If you're able to donate more, you’re helping to cover the cost of someone else’s meal.


Our dedicated volunteers will be happy to take your order at the counter and then serve you directly at your table. Every guest is treated with the same respect and care.

Our Wooden Nickel program offers an opportunity to provide a prepaid meal for someone else.


Stop by the cafe and pick up wooden nickels for a donation of $12.00 each. Each wooden nickel can be redeemed for a nourishing meal.

Our Impact in Numbers

Monthly average of meals served

Paid meals

  • 25% donated the suggested amount.
  • 58% donated more than the suggested          amount.
  • 17% purchased a prepaid meal for someone else.

  Meals provided for free or less than suggested donation

Experience Cozy Ambiance and Delectable Delights at the Cafe

Step inside and indulge in a delightful breakfast or lunch experience with us. Settle down and take a seat at our inviting community table, where you can savor both delicious food and engaging conversations. Short on time? No worries, simply seize the opportunity to grab a delectable meal on the go.

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