Giving Back

Stories behind the food we love.

This Bakery Stepped Up For A Community In Need After The Covenant School Shooting

By Allanah Dykes

When tragedy struck in Nashville, Brooke O’Dell, owner of Sugar Drop, knew she had to do something.

This Popcorn Provides More Than Just Butter

By LA Bourgeois

When a Connecticut theater closed during the pandemic, it pivoted to popcorn and its mission of hiring the disabled.

Baking to Make a Difference

By Stacy Brooks

Four siblings. One pandemic. What happened? A business was born to support social and racial justice organizations.

Brett Swayn_The Cookery

Soul Food in the Bible Belt

By Brad Blankenship

The Cookery serves up hope in Nashville. One man’s rise from homelessness led the way.

leo with baking kits

Charity Bagels: Donations Made Delicious

By Nicolette Degrassi

Missing the kind of bagels he had in LA, high-schooler Leo Barnes started baking – and brainstorming. The result is a bagel kit that benefits charities.

chef esteban at white rice

This San Diego Chef Has a Lot on His Plate

By Stacy Brooks

Chef Phillip Esteban does more than just cook and run restaurants. He’s mentoring chefs of color, creating a work/life balance for his staff and giving back to his community.

kevin finch

Big Table Makes a Big Difference for Hospitality Workers in Crisis

By Nina Derwin

The hospitality industry got hit hard during the pandemic. Big Table Nashville (and beyond) aims to alleviate worker worries.

The Tides Beach Club-Maine Blueberry Crisp

Bakes for Breast Cancer: Feel Good and Do Good While Eating Dessert

By Victoria Pardo

To honor her mother lost to breast cancer, Carol Sneider started a nonprofit to raise funds through baked goods. 22 years later, their sweet work is a New England tradition.

arnold byun

Connecting the Asian American Community Through Food

By Stacy Brooks

You never know the power of food until you start sharing, and of course, serving it. With Warm Welcome educates people about Asian American chefs, restaurateurs and bakers.