Help support the Southern Illinois Collaborative Kitchen and support Cristaudo’s at the same time.

Double Your Impact in May:

Southern Illinois Collaborative Kitchen kicks off the May Matching Challenge!

For the month of May, donors can double their impact when they donate to the Cristaudo’s Repayment Fund HERE during the May Matching challenge. Funded by a generous donor who will match your donations up to $5,000, the challenge brings the total of your donations with the match to an incredible $10,000!

The May Matching Challenge

is part of a larger initiative to create long term stability and show reciprocal support by honoring current financial obligations to Cristaudo’s Cafe. All donations to the challenge will go directly to satisfying a debt accrued while creating the Southern Illinois Collaborative Kitchen and keep it going before finding firm funding.

Cristaudo’s

The Southern Illinois Collaborative Kitchen was initially the brainchild of Cristaudo’s Café, a longtime Carbondale institution known for its baked goods, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and welcoming atmosphere. Cristaudo’s provides space, overhead, and staff at no cost, and deferred other reimbursable costs, including years of not receiving payment for its weekly offerings.

SI Collab Kitchen

The Southern Illinois Collaborative Kitchen began in 2020 to combat food insecurity in our area and assist struggling restaurants impacted by the Covid emergency. Restaurants were paid a discounted price for providing a special weekly meal that could be ordered online and supported by online donations under a “pay-what-you-can” donation model.

Meal Banks

As we launch our new Meal Bank initiative, it is critically important that we honor our debt and create a firm financial footing for our program. By contributing to this matching donation campaign, supporters can help sustain Cristaudo’s, strengthen food security in Southern Illinois, and bring the Meal Bank vision to life—creating lasting impact for the entire community.

How You Can Help

Help others across our region by donating at https://givebutter.com/cristaudos

Remember, every donation made in May is matched dollar for dollar, doubling your impact up to a total of $10,000 so don’t wait! Spread the word by sharing this link on social media, emailing friends, or encouraging your network to contribute.

Our Community is Stronger When Everyone Eats!