The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation is scheduled to open phase one of the Table Plaza this fall.
The organization acquired the former Fresco Plaza at 12 Cann Street in Huntsville and is in the midst of renovating the building. The space will reopen as the Table Plaza.
Heather Cassie, executive director and founder, said the new plaza will enable them to expand their services and reach more people, ensuring that “no one’s left behind.”
“The food bank usage has increased drastically over the years, ourselves included,” said Cassie. “In 2024, the table food bank served 8.6 per cent of the Huntsville population of 21,147. That made up 74 per cent of our guests, with the remaining 26 per cent coming from 38 surrounding communities.”
According to Cassie, they will be relocating some of their services to the new location while still maintaining their properties at 9, 11, and 13 Hanes Street, and continuing to operate the Table Men’s hostel and community kitchen.
“So over here at the plaza, we’ll be moving our food banks,” she said.
Along with the food bank, they will have the Table-Exchange thrift store.
“We’re going to move from just doing clothing and household items, towels, books, things, outerwear, sportswear, bedding, that sort of thing, to also having furniture,” she said. “So that’s going to be a big change.”
As part of Phase One, the foundation will also open the Table Emporium, a grocery store that, according to Cassie, will offer a wide variety of items, including a chef-prepared selection of meals.
Later during Phase One, Cassie said they are planning to open The Table Art Gallery and Hub, which will be a creative space for everyone in the community to come.
“We believe that opportunities to create together will just impact people’s mental health for the better,” said Cassie.
She said the new building will provide them with new, larger processing rooms, coolers, and freezers, which will enable them to expand their food rescue efforts and share more with the community.
