Monthly Free Meal Tradition Warms Austin Community

Quick Smiles:

• Everyone is welcome for a free meal, no exceptions
• Hospitality inspired by kindness and personal healing
• Strengthening community together through shared generosity

Once a month in Austin, Texas, something heartwarming brings the community together: a beloved Korean restaurant, Korea House, swings open its doors and offers a free meal to everyone who walks in. There are no requirements, no expectations, and definitely no strings attached—just genuine generosity and boundless hospitality for all.

This beautiful tradition is led by Pok-Cha Kim, affectionately known as “Momma Kim,” who has been a pillar of the Austin community since 1988. On the first Wednesday of each month, tables fill with hungry guests from all walks of life, welcomed with kindness and treated like family.

As the restaurant shares, “Every first Wednesday of the month: EVERYONE EATS FREE AT KOREA HOUSE. That’s right! Everyone. Every race, gender, religion, age, etc. All are welcome to dine in and share a free meal with us, no strings attached.” The invitation is extended especially to those who need a little extra comfort.

“Feeling lonely, struggling lately, or low in spirit? Please come. Our hope is to provide a safe and peaceful space and for everyone to leave with a full heart, warmed soul, and a full belly.”

The inspiration for this unique act of kindness was born from Momma Kim’s own life journey. After stepping away from the restaurant for several years, she found spiritual healing and a renewed sense of purpose. Determined to give back, she returned to Korea House ready to channel her gratitude into an act of community love.

As Korea House reflected on social media, “As we live our lives after such an impactful pandemic, there is always a malicious virus called ‘hardship’ that presents in our economy and lives now.

We think it is really important and significant who we share company with as we go through difficult times. Sadness, hardship, and pain are halved when shared together, and joy is doubled!

We must remember that suffering is a passage that leads us to gratitude. We hope today that everyone who is going through this difficult time in various ways remembers that a great gift called blessing awaits us after all the hardships, shares of our hearts, and marches in joy together.

This is our mission, every first Wednesday of the month we congregate and share a warm free meal and strengthen our community.”

This spirit of kindness has not gone unnoticed. Texas State Representative Gina Hinojosa recognized Korea House and Momma Kim as “a champion of her community,” celebrating the inspiring example of compassion and generosity she continues to set.

For Momma Kim and her team, the sense of purpose goes even deeper. “We pray for our community members’ hearts, for healing, compassion, overcoming social and mental health issues, and for hope over despair. Most importantly, above all, we thank and praise God for his glory, unfailing love and grace.”

In a world where challenges can sometimes seem overwhelming, Korea House reminds us all that unity and kindness still flourish—one free meal, one full heart, and one loving community at a time.

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