INDIANAPOLIS — The Patachou Foundation's social enterprise, Foundation Coffee Company, opened its doors in late November with the sole mission of serving food-insecure students at eight Indianapolis-area schools.
All proceeds from the north side coffee shop go toward the foundation that provides more than 1,500 scratch-made, afterschool meals every week.
"Our foundation goes far beyond just the 'here is this healthy plate of food,'" Kate Franzman, Patachou communications director, said.
The money earned in the coffee shop will also go toward the foundation's Food Fellowship in summer 2020, which will hire six local high school students and offer hands-on education in urban farming.
The Patachou food fellows will be paid as they embark on the real-world experience of urban farming, culinary, and hospitality. All skills will allow the students to immediately enter the workforce and pursue a career in the food system.
"This (fellowship) really compliments the afterschool meals by showing where the food comes from," Franzman said. "Everything from nutrition to table manners, and just how to create a positive mealtime experience."
The Foundation Coffee Company is attached to the private offices of The Patachou Foundation, located at 4565 Marcy Lane.
Hours for Foundation Coffee Company are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.