Let’s feed the future, Philly!
Today, millions of the meals funded by taxpayer dollars, for students and seniors, are prepared, plated, frozen and trucked in from out of state.
What if we could serve fresher food, prepared right here in the city by our residents and train future workers?
Philly Cooks for Philly is a bold and necessary effort to build and staff an accessible, neighborhood based central kitchen, improving food quality and economic impact of feeding those who depend on the city.
We are building a dynamic public-nonprofit partnership that will enrich our city with better nutrition, sustainable economic development and secure a stronger future for individuals in the workforce.We are building a dynamic public-nonprofit partnership that will enrich our city with better nutrition, sustainable economic development and secure a stronger future for individuals in the workforce.
“Philadelphia is a city of sports, arts, educational opportunities – and food. Food is part of the cultural fabric that attracts tourists and new residents, but the food and hospitality sector is also nourishment, economic empowerment, job creation, and a key component of our city’s culture. Philly Cooks is a great example of who we are and who we can be.”
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas
At Large, Majority Whip
“Philly Cooks has all the necessary ingredients for locally driven positive change for our city.”
Casey O’Donnell
Executive Director of Impact Services
MORE THAN MEALS
Each year the city serves millions of meals to students, seniors and people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity
50% of the city’s 255 schools do not have a full-service kitchen. The lack of kitchen facilities is also felt by senior centers and other programs the City administers.
In the nation’s poorest large city, we are sending our tax dollars out of state, effectively:
Asked whether food insecurity impacted student learning, nearly half of Philadelphia principals rated it as a “great” or “moderate” challenge.
SERVING UP A STRONGER FUTURE
Philly Cooks for Philly proposes the construction and staffing of a commercial-scale central kitchen in Philadelphia.
The kitchen will:
“Philadelphia Works supports this common sense, smart workforce solution which combines immediate employment opportunities with training-supported career progression in the local food economy. The success of this valuable initiative will be critical for scores of Philly residents .”
H. Patrick Clancy
Executive Director of Philadelphia Works
“The study’s findings – quality jobs and economic growth in communities that need it – fully align with our mission of fostering equitable and inclusive growth and shared prosperity.”
Jeff Hornstein
Economy League of Greater Philadelphia