2% For Connected Chef
Creating a community-controlled food system that ensures every household has consistent access to local, nutritious food.
As part of our ongoing commitment to community, Loisa donates 2% of online sales each month to a community organization. This month, we’re proud to support Connected Chef, an organization dedicated to creating a community-controlled food system that ensures every household has consistent access to local, nutritious food.
At its core, Connected Chef aims to uplift and equalize all community members through the lenses of food, racial, environmental, labor, and housing justice. Connected Chef is a community-led nonprofit organization based in Queens, New York, dedicated to creating a community-controlled food system that ensures every household has consistent access to local, nutritious food.
Founded by cooks and restaurant workers, the organization not only delivers fresh groceries but also provides healthy eating education and pathways to financial agency. The organization's mission is to build a system where every Queens household has access to nutritious food, educational resources on healthy eating, and opportunities for financial empowerment.
Programs and Initiatives
Connected Chef operates several key programs to fulfill its mission:
- Lifeline Groceries: This initiative addresses the immediate needs of food-insecure neighbors by distributing fresh, nutrient-dense, culturally appropriate groceries. The program supports local farmers and climate-centered initiatives, ensuring that community members receive the same quantity of groceries regardless of payment.
- Urban Farm Stand: Operating on a sliding scale, the Urban Farm Stand provides affordable access to local produce. It not only supports local farms and businesses but also creates job opportunities and fosters community power.
Staying true to its roots in education, Connected Chef also offers various programs specifically for students:
- After-School Programs: In partnership with organizations like Queens Community House’s Beacon afterschool program and Start:Empowerment, Connected Chef provides nutrition-focused cooking lessons, field trips, and on-campus community gardens for middle and upper elementary students.
- Summer Camp: Collaborating with Gantry Kids, the organization runs a weekly Food Justice camp where children aged 7-12 learn about land stewardship, local produce cultivation, and the importance of biodiversity.
- Juice N’ Play: This program brings together community, wellness, and fun by offering custom juice demonstrations at local events. Participants learn about the nutritional benefits of various juices and how they can help prevent or treat illnesses related to food insecurity.
Community Impact
Since its inception, Connected Chef has made significant strides in supporting the Queens community:
- Distributed over 4.3 million pounds of fresh, quality produce across Queens since 2020.
- Serves over 940 individuals weekly through its Lifeline Groceries and Urban Farm Stand programs.
- Launched the first-ever Urban Farm Stand at Queensbridge Houses and a new Community Food Hub with Seed+Oil in Woodside.
- Deepened partnerships with Black and Latino farmers, increasing spending to over $230,000, thereby supporting local agriculture and promoting food sovereignty.
By supporting Connected Chef, you contribute to a movement that believes in the power of communities to create systems that uplift all members, ensuring access to healthy food, education, and economic opportunities.
Get Involved
Connected Chef thrives on community support and offers various ways for individuals to get involved:
- Volunteer: Assist in distributing farm-fresh grocery boxes, participate in community events, or help with educational programs. Opportunities are available for those with language skills in Spanish and/or Mandarin to better serve the diverse community. Get more information here.
- Donate: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions to Connected Chef are tax-deductible. Donations directly support programs that provide fresh produce to families in need, expand educational initiatives, and build a more equitable food system. Make a donation here.
- Spread the Word: Follow Connected Chef on Instagram to stay updated on their initiatives and share their mission with your network. Follow them here.
- Find Connected Chef IRL: You can find Connected Chef's in-person resources and services here.
