Portland cafe plans free Food Program in Gaza

Heretic Coffee in Portland, Oregon, is partnering with the Humanite Peace Collective to build a free cafe in Western Gaza, offering daily meals to people in need.

After the United States Department of Agriculture announced cuts to food assistance programs in late 2025, Heretic Coffee began providing free breakfast to people affected by the policy changes, serving over 11,000 meals in the past year with public donations exceeding $400,000.

Owner Josh White and the Humanite Peace Collective, an NGO with experience in conflict zones, aim to rebuild a structure in Gaza City and establish “The Department of Peace,” a cafe offering free food regardless of circumstance. White acknowledges the significant logistical challenges of building in a war zone, noting a potential risk of the cafe being damaged, but believes a location in Western Gaza has a relatively low chance of being bombed.

The team is prepared to adapt their plans, potentially starting with a smaller structure or even a mobile cart if necessary, but remains committed to providing a space for community and sustenance. This initiative is dedicated to the memory of Malak Mesleh, a Palestinian boxer killed in an airstrike on a Gaza City cafe, and White hopes the new cafe will offer a moment of peace and nourishment to people in Gaza.

The Humanite Peace Collective is seeking $100,000 to begin construction, with a goal of opening the cafe by the end of the year.