Bringing Heart and Nourishment to Kate’s Kitchen
When you meet Anne Cawley, you immediately sense her warmth and quiet energy. Originally from Holyoke and now living in West Springfield, Anne has spent her life caring for others through food. For years, she worked as a dietitian at Holyoke Hospital and Mercy Medical Center—roles that combined her love for nutrition with her desire to help people live healthier, happier lives.
So when retirement arrived, Anne knew she wanted to keep giving back. “I’ve always worked in the food service industry,” she says. “When I retired, I just wanted to give back a little bit.” Three months ago, that calling brought her to Kate’s Kitchen, where she now volunteers twice a week.
You’ll often find Anne peeling vegetables, slicing bread, or assembling her signature yogurt parfaits—complete with perfectly layered fruit and granola. “I peel lots of vegetables, make yogurt parfaits, slice bread, serve the dinner trays,” she says with a smile. “Whatever is needed of me, I’m happy to do.”
For Anne, the most rewarding part isn’t the task itself, but the people.
“My favorite part about volunteering is seeing the people who come in and seeing how much they need and appreciate the food here,” she says. “You realize quickly how important this place is.”
Her teammates couldn’t agree more. Jasmine, Chef at Kate’s Kitchen and our foodWorks Instructor, calls Anne “amazing” and praises her dedication: “She donates her time on Tuesdays at lunch and dinner on Thursdays. She’s the best at making the yogurt parfaits and making them look amazing. Anything you ask of her, she gets it done. I appreciate her so much.”
Derek, the dinner cook, adds, “Anne is a very important member of our volunteer staff—always on time, always dependable. She comes through in the clutch. She’s friendly, outgoing, and great with both the community and the employees.”
When asked why others should volunteer, Anne doesn’t hesitate. “I think they’ll get back a lot more than they give,” she says. “The people here are really nice to work for. They’re welcoming and appreciative, and it’s just a nice place to come to.”
With her generous spirit and steady presence, Anne embodies what makes Kate’s Kitchen so special—a place where every meal is served with kindness and every volunteer brings a little more heart to the table.
