What does hunger mean in Cluj, a "wealthy" city?
The paradox of development: Cluj is a city of IT, startups and investment. But just a few kilometres from the centre there are people for whom a hot meal is a luxury.
Elderly people with 1,300-lei pensions choosing between medicine and food. Large families where parents work but the pay isn't enough. Homeless people sleeping in train stations and on the streets.
The painful number:
In 2025, approximately +2000 de persoane unice came to the Kitchen of Hope each year.
The dignity of not begging
The concept is simple but powerful: paying customers buy the daily menu for 30 lei, and the price includes funding a meal for a needy beneficiary. We do not differentiate between those who pay and those who receive it for free – the same meal, the same quality, the same respect.
For those in need
Free meals every day for the homeless, elderly with low pensions, families in crisis, refugees, residents of PFR centres, social shelters.
We ask for nothing in return. We don't judge. We set no conditions. We just serve the meal with respect. Together we offer a chance at dignity.
For those who support 1+1
You buy the daily menu for 30 lei - hot, tasty food, carefully prepared. The price automatically includes a meal for you and a meal for someone in need.
Simple 1+1 model: A complete menu for you and one for a person in need for the same price. Only 30 lei.
Where does every leu go?
Every donation turns into warm meals for those who have no other option. In 2025, we served over 2000 unique individuals: lonely seniors, families in crisis, homeless people. We are supported exclusively by private donors and partner companies. Without you, the soup kitchen doors would close.
The truth? Every day is a struggle.
How can we support?
With a lot of effort. And with your help.
People donate at Christmas and Easter, but hunger doesn't take a break. It comes every morning to the soup kitchen's door - 450 people waiting.
Without our partners, the Kitchen of Hope would close tomorrow.
NOT SPONSORS
They are the heroes of 450 people, donors we count on.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To our heroes
We need you.
Food Donations
Turn surplus into food
We accept: Non-perishable food, fresh vegetables/fruits, basic products (oil, sugar, flour)
office@pfr.ro
0364145932
Financial Donations
Help us provide a warm meal
- 1 Warm meal 30 lei
- 5 Meals / week 150 lei
- 30 Meals / month 900 lei
Corporate Sponsors
- Full month sponsorship (any number of meals)
- Week sponsorship (any number of meals)
- Impactful team building + serving meals
Alongside those
who cannot choose
Mrs. Aurelia, 71 years oldComing for: 4 years, daily"My pension is 1800 lei. After expenses and medication, I'm left with 200 lei. Without the soup kitchen, I'd only eat bread and tea. Here, I get a meal and I can talk to people. I no longer feel despair."
Michael, 34 years oldFormer beneficiary, Today volunteer"I made a mistake when I was young. The first hot meal after I came out of prison was here. They welcomed me without questions. Today I have a job and I come as a volunteer — I want to give back what I received."
How does the "buy 1, fund 1" model work?
You buy the daily menu for 35 lei. The price covers your meal + a meal for someone in need. You both eat the same food, at the same quality.
Can I donate food directly to the cafeteria?
Yes! We accept non-perishable and fresh food (depending on capacity). Contact us in advance for details.
What do you need most?
Regular donations (monthly) for predictability, volunteers for kitchen and serving, sponsors for long periods (month/year).
How do you make sure the food is healthy and safe?
All equipment is new, 2025 production. With the support of our partners, we've managed to have one of the most modern kitchens in Cluj. We strictly follow all ANSVSA (Sanitary Veterinary Authority) standards. We have professional chefs, balanced menus (soup, main course with meat/fish, side dish, dessert/fruit), fresh ingredients and regular inspections. The food we cook reaches children and the elderly, and we make sure everything is impeccable.