Universoul Cafe is back in the kitchen and serving the community after facing a daunting setback last year. After a break-in at their Del Paso Heights warehouse left them without essential equipment, this nonprofit has shown remarkable resilience. With a focus on food recovery and workforce development, Universoul Cafe aims to not just feed the hungry but also foster discussions that bring policymakers and community members together.
CEO Tonya Mack reported an overwhelming outpouring of support following the robbery. Community members and corporations have made donations, and they recently secured a significant grant from First 5 Sacramento. While searching for a new permanent space, they’re currently operating from Chef Derris Mosley’s kitchen in Old Sacramento.
What stands out is the heart and soul that Universoul Cafe pours into every meal they serve. Mack emphasizes that food prepared with love transcends language barriers, creating connections among people. Through all the challenges, they continue to find joy in feeding those in need and uniting the community. It’s the kind of inspiring story that really puts things into perspective—sometimes, those curveballs just lead to an even greater opportunity to shine. Can food be a love language? It sure seems so!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.







