Sunday Funday: Growing through food, faith and service at the Mustard Seed Cafe

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- At the Mustard Seed Cafe in West El Paso, caring for neighbors is part of every meal, harvest and conversation.

Located off Sunset Road, the nonprofit welcomes everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

“We serve anybody who comes. Everyone is welcome. Everyone eats,” said Carmen Estrada, Mustard Seed Cafe Executive Director.

The cafe takes its name from a biblical parable about how something beautiful can grow from even the smallest seed of faith. That message is reflected throughout the organization, from the kitchen to the community garden.

Fresh ingredients come from the cafe’s greenhouse, aquaponics system and microgreens program. The property also includes a community apiary with native bees.

Estrada said the cafe’s meals reach shelters, people experiencing homelessness and families throughout the community.

“I want to believe that in every meal we give, we answer a prayer for somebody,” she said. “That’s part of the reason that we are healing.”

The Mustard Seed Cafe also provides opportunities for people to volunteer, grow and heal while supporting survivors of human trafficking.

Estrada said the cafe does not charge for its services, emphasizing that everything is intended to benefit the community.

“All of us need something like that,” she said. “We need a place where we receive dignity, respect and are called by our name.”

For more information about the Mustard Seed Cafe or to learn how to volunteer, visit KVIA.com.