EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 For more than two decades, the Mustard Seed Caf\u00e9 has been serving more than just food to the El Paso community.<\/p>\n
The nonprofit ministry on the city’s west side provides free meals to anyone who walks through its doors, while also offering a welcoming space where people can find friendship, encouragement and support.<\/p>\n
Our mission is feeding people and caring for their hearts, being a genuine expression of the love of Jesus Christ,” said Carmen Estrada, Director of the Mustard Seed Caf\u00e9. “That mission compels us to serve everybody with dignity and respect.<\/p>\n
Unlike a traditional soup kitchen, Estrada said there are no requirements to receive a meal.<\/p>\n
“We receive anybody and everybody,” she said. “Regardless of their economic status, social status, appearance, faith or race, we welcome everyone.”<\/p>\n
The caf\u00e9 serves breakfast and lunch throughout the week using meals prepared largely from scratch. Fresh vegetables and herbs often come from the organization’s own 7,000-square-foot community garden.<\/p>\n
Beyond providing food, the garden has become a place for education. Mustard Seed hosts classes and tours where children and adults can learn about gardening, pollinators, composting and healthy eating.<\/p>\n
“We’re teaching people how food grows and helping them reconnect with nature,” Estrada said. “It’s another way we care for our community.”<\/p>\n
Mustard Seed Caf\u00e9 expands outreach with free meals, garden programs and volunteers needed<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The nonprofit also relies heavily on volunteers, many of whom have developed lasting relationships through their time at the caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n
For Erin and Lennon Mendoza, volunteering turned into something much more personal.<\/p>\n
The mother-daughter duo has volunteered at Mustard Seed Caf\u00e9 for five years. Before that – Erin Mendoza says that after an adoption fell through, she began volunteering at the cafe. Erin says the people at the caf\u00e9 became a support system throughout that journey, until her and her husband adopted Lennon.<\/p>\n
“When we finally brought our daughter home, this was one of the first places we brought her,” Erin said. “These people have been part of our story and have become family.”<\/p>\n
Today, the Mendoza’s volunteer alongside their daughter, hoping to teach her the same spirit of service.<\/p>\n
“We love giving back to the community,” Erin said. “We love their message of serving others and making sure nobody goes hungry.”<\/p>\n
Longtime guest Dionne Billstone says that’s what makes Mustard Seed unique.<\/p>\n
“My children have wanted to volunteer here, and everybody’s always so kind,” Billstone said. “Nobody is turned away.”<\/p>\n
She says the caf\u00e9 welcomes people from every walk of life.<\/p>\n
“It doesn’t matter if you’re struggling or if you have a mansion,” Billstone said. “You can find fellowship here.”<\/p>\n
Estrada hopes more people learn that the organization is about more than providing a meal.<\/p>\n
“We want people to know they’re valued,” she said. “Whether someone comes here for food, to volunteer or simply to connect with others, they belong here.”<\/p>\n
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