Giving Back

Stories behind the food we love.
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.

freedom a la cart staff

Freedom a la Cart Serves Up So Much More Than Meals

By AnnMarie Mattila

A cafe in Columbus, Ohio, known for its blueberry chia bowl and avocado toast, is also known for helping survivors of human trafficking.

lisa costa

All You Need Is Peace, Love & Dough

By Mia Salas

For Queens, New York-based Lisa Costa, baking is not only a passion, but the means to a social justice movement.

w Shannon Ronan and Breelyn MacDonald with jerky

This Woman-Owned Business is Making Beef Jerky with Love and Pride

By Nicolette Degrassi

What started as a hobby turned into a business. Meet the “two chicks” behind California-based Two Chicks Beef Jerky.

john carruthers eating pizza

A Q & A with John Carruthers: Pop-Up Pizza for Charity

By Victoria Pardo

Food writer John Carruthers wanted to do something useful during the pandemic. So he started making pizza in his kitchen, posting photos on Instagram, delivering pies to strangers in alleys and raising money for local non-profits.