Sarah Casteel has been volunteering at the Panera Cares community café in Downtown Clayton since the summer before freshman year, and was recently hired there. “I love when someone comes in and truly all they have is a pocketful of change, and I can fill their belly. It’s an amazing feeling,” said Casteel, a junior.

Panera Cares, known locally as Saint Louis Bread Company Cares, aims to feed people who might be otherwise unable to afford a meal. The idea is that instead of a set price, the customer is told a suggested donation, which they should pay if they are capable of doing so. The customer is able to maintain their dignity and won’t be judged.

“Going to a soup kitchen can be a humbling experience,” said Kate Antonacci,  the Panera Cares Project Manager.“At Panera Cares, the food quality is the same as at other Paneras. It’s important to deliver the same experience.”

People have raised concerns that some of the local population (specifically students) could take advantage of the café’s suggested donation system, paying very little for their food when they have the ability to pay full price. “I do see lots of people taking advantage of the ‘pay what you can’ system and yes, many people do even if they appear to have the means to pay the full price,” Casteel said. “If you come in wearing Sperrys, Nike shorts, and a private school t-shirt, with your Lulu headband and your Coach wallet, I’m going to assume you have the means to pay.”

“You can’t control what somebody does. All we can really do is try to educate people and show them why it’s important to contribute,” Antonacci said.

Panera Cares community cafes have been very successful. “A good percent of people who come in are food insecure,” Antonacci said. “Nothing is wasted. At the end of the night, leftovers are donated to soup kitchens.”

“I have a lot of hope for the future of Panera Cares, not only here but all over the country.” Casteel said.