Common Ground Cafe
Common Ground Café is based on a non-profit food service model established to address food insecurity by offering nourishing meals in a restaurant setting, with a donate-what-you-can payment option. Since receiving our 501(c)(3) status in March 2018, we have successfully established a strong relational network of culinary artists, churches, local farmers, area businesses, and volunteers to enrich the lives of our patrons and provide an atmosphere where anyone, regardless of income, age, or status, can dine with dignity.
Since being established in 2018, Common Ground Cafe has been known for its unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction. It’s this standard of excellence that has provided the impetus for us to grow into the business we are today.
We believe that the customer always comes first - and that means exceptional products and exceptional services. Get in touch today to learn more about what we have to offer.
Our History
Common Ground Café was established in March 2018 by Nancy Hillman and her late husband Robert. Their vision was modeled after the national community café restaurant model established by Denise Cerreta, founder and former president of the One World Everybody Eats nonprofit organization. For six years, the executive director, board members, and volunteers at Common Ground Café have built strong community relationships with local farmers, gardeners, restaurant owners, caterers, culinary artists, churches, and area businesses. Working with these partnerships, Common Ground Café can provide nutritious meals in a welcoming and safe environment, allowing participants to dine with dignity regardless of income, age, or status. Common Ground Café values education, provision, volunteerism, and community activism, all aimed at reducing food insecurity in our community. Our primary program prepares and delivers meals to marginalized and underserved seniors through the iSMILE Meal Delivery Program for Seniors.
iSMILE Meal Delivery Program for Seniors
The iSMILE Meal Delivery Program for Seniors originated from a medical situation with Common Ground Café’s Executive Director’s 94-year-old father, Mr. Isaac (pictured on right). Thankfully Mr. Isaac recovered; however, his medical scare was the catalyst for Common Ground Café to develop a meal delivery program for underserved and marginalized seniors that would not only seek to provide hot nourishing meals, but also reduce food waste, decrease feelings of isolation, improve socialization and positively impact the community economics. ​​
​The iSMILE Meal Delivery Program for Seniors began in June 2023 with 20 seniors enrolled in the program. As of January 2025, there are 86 seniors enrolled in the program, with a goal to enroll and serve up to 150 seniors within the 2025 calendar year.
Our Vision
To build a healthy and inclusive community by providing high quality meals primarily produced from local sources and served in a welcoming atmosphere where everyone eats with dignity, regardless of income, age, or status.
Our Mission
Common Ground Café exists to strengthen our community, improve our economy, foster local partnerships, educate others, and address food insecurity by promoting health and offering nourishing meals in a welcoming and safe environment to everyone regardless of income, age, or status.