We’re Cooking Up Something New!
Welcome to Spark of Hope—formerly known as Spark Community Café.
For years, Spark Community Café was more than a place to grab a meal. It was a gathering spot, a downtown hub, and a space where everyone was welcome at the table. While closing the café was a difficult decision, it became clear that the restaurant model was not financially sustainable.
But our mission has always been bigger than four walls. From the very beginning, Spark was created to ensure that food insecurity in Woodford County would not go unaddressed. That vision hasn’t changed—it’s only grown stronger.
Our New Chapter: Spark of Hope
We’ve reimagined, refocused, and rededicated ourselves to the heart of our work. Today, as Spark of Hope, we are committed to expanding our meal delivery program to reach the neighbors who need it most: seniors, families, and individuals facing the greatest risks of food insecurity.
By shifting our energy and resources directly into meal preparation and delivery, we’re able to honor our founding mission in the most impactful way. This approach allows us to serve more people, more efficiently, and with the same spirit of dignity and compassion that defined Spark Community Café.
With the transition from Spark Community Café to Spark of Hope, all donations now go exclusively to the purchase of food and packaging for delivered meals. Our amazing volunteers enable us to fulfill our mission with minimal operational costs. We seek ideas from our clients on ways to more specifically address their needs. For example, we are exploring the best way to offer a “dinner in a bag” to those who want to prepare their own meals at home.
What We Do
Each week a group of volunteers gather to prepare oven-ready family-style casseroles. These are packaged in pans and refrigerated to be delivered by another team of volunteers the next day. Each pan holds enough casserole for a family of 4.
Since we began our effort to fight hunger in Woodford County in March 2019, we have prepared and delivered (or served in the Café) over 90,000 meals. During the pandemic, we mobilized to provide over 250 family-style meals a week for nearly 15 months.
Since the first week of January 2025 through the week of November 17, we have prepared 2,127 family-style pans representing 8,492 meals. These have been delivered to 1,795 households. A third of our deliveries are to family households and half of those receiving meals are seniors.
We offer the hope of a meal to those who are referred to us by churches, their neighbors, of other nonprofits in our community. We do not request documentation of financial need, but 9 in ten of the homes we deliver to are in the lowest income Census tracts in Woodford County.
Meals Delivered
Since 2019
Families Helped
Making a real differnce
Why It Matters
Food insecurity doesn’t just affect the table—it affects health, stability, and community connection. In Woodford County, too many of our neighbors face the daily stress of not knowing where their next meal will come from.
That’s why Spark of Hope is here. With every meal delivered, we’re providing more than nourishment—we’re delivering comfort, care, and the reassurance that no one is forgotten.
What's Ahead
Our website is currently in transition as we prepare to launch a fresh look that reflects this exciting new chapter. Soon, you’ll find updates, stories of impact, and ways to get involved—whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word.
We’re grateful for your patience and continued support. Together, we’re not just addressing food insecurity—we’re sparking hope for every table in Woodford County.
Recent Articles From Our Blog
From Classroom to Community: The Story of Spark of Hope and a Mission That Endures
Community Activism, a capstone course designed to facilitate real-world learning for high school seniors, was created by the Social Studies Department at Woodford County High
A Season of Gratitude: Spark of Hope Delivers Thanksgiving Meals to Local Families
This Thanksgiving season, Spark of Hope was honored to witness the true meaning of community in action. Several of our dedicated Board Members generously gave
November Update: Bluegrass Give Matching Donations
Hello Friends, We give THANKS for your support of Spark Community Café. Although the doors of the Café closed on July 1, we remain committed
Double Your Impact This Giving Tuesday: Join Spark of Hope for Bluegrass Gives Day
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, is Bluegrass Gives Day—a 24-hour celebration of generosity hosted by the Bluegrass Community Foundation (BGCF). On this special day, donations to
How You Can Help
- Donate Today → Help fuel our meal delivery program.
- Volunteer With Us → Be part of the team making meals possible.
- Stay Connected → Sign up for updates on our mission and activities