In honor of the beloved community leader and founder of Who’s Hungry? Soup Kitchen Carl Moore, we are starting a new philanthropic fund called the Carl Moore Memorial Fund to continue Carl’s legacy of serving up hot meals to anyone in need. Carl was a friend, uncle, teacher and mentor to so many of us, demonstrating daily how to love and give unconditionally, and how to make space for everyone at the table. He invited every single person in, made them feel safe and seen, and then served up his delicious food along with his humor and warmth. 

On May 10, 2024, Carl and his life partner Jim Zehner opened the Who’s Hungry? Soup Kitchen, making up delicious meals twice a week from 3-6 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays. Carl and Jim made almost every meal, eventually with the support of volunteers as Carl’s health declined. All the food was served up by volunteers, and reached people of all walks of life. Carl and Jim delivered meals to those unable to leave their homes due to illness or mobility issues, as well as served the kids at the John Bryan Community Center. 

With this new fund, we aim to preserve Carl’s vision and mission by seeking a new funding model to keep Who’s Hungry running smoothly. The goal is to raise $41,600 to run Who’s Hungry for the third year. This amount will allow us to serve 6,240 meals, which averages to 120 people a week. Because all labor of making and serving the food is voluntary, this amounts to $6 per meal. 

We are also asking for local businesses to support us by considering an annual donation to help us reach our $41,600 goal. Additionally, we are starting a new program called “Pay It Forward to Who’s Hungry?” in which we are enlisting other restaurants and food industry partners to add a “Pay It Forward” item on their menu for $6. When customers select PIF, they are making a contribution to Who’s Hungry to allow someone else to have a hot meal.

Carl will continue on in our hearts as the greatest example of how food brings people together, and how an extra piece of cornbread or an extra hug can totally change someone’s day. He inspired people constantly to join the WH team and volunteer, because his dedication and joy was infectious. We miss you so much already and we will carry on your legacy and spirit, Carl.

“I grew up in Cincinnati and when I graduated, I moved to Atlanta, and I was homeless there for a little while. It made me stand up on my feet and appreciate working in a restaurant. That’s how I figured out I wanted to be a chef – if I work in a restaurant, I can always have something to eat.”

     – Carl Moore