Haiti was a country rich in culture, resources, and wealth. It was the first country in Latin America to gain its independence from Europe and the second in the Americas after the United States. Haitian soldiers even fought alongside American soldiers during the American Revolutionary war. This fact is unknown to many. However, the fact known by most is that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. 60% of Haitians live on less than $2.00 a day. Many Haitians die or are subjected to illnesses due to malnourishment and lack of access to clean water. The average Haitian has only 5 years of schooling and only 50% of children attend school.

 

Marie’s Kitchen of Love was founded to combat these issues. Marie Asse emigrated from Haiti to the United States in 1965. She was always known as a great cook in her community in New York. Being a pastor’s wife, mother to eight children, and grandmother to 17 grandchildren, she had many mouths to feed and loved doing so. Her kitchen was a revolving door of love filled with laughter and full stomachs.

 

With the passing of her husband in 2004, her passion turned to helping her people back home in Haiti. She wanted to open her kitchen for them the same way she did for her own family, church, and community back in the states. What started out as bowls of rice and peas, turned into a full-fledge school built from the ground up in 2007. Using her monthly social security money, she employed a principal, teachers and various school aides. Even when the school was severely damaged during the 2010 earthquake that struck Haiti, undeterred she reached out to friends and family for assistance. With their support, she was not only able to rebuild the school but expanded it to support needs of the greater community.

 

Marie’s Kitchen of Love is love served daily, one meal at a time.