The Challenge
Every year, millions of meals are served through public programs to Philadelphians with the greatest need, including students, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Yet most of these publicly funded meals are produced out of state, effectively funneling tens of millions of taxpayer dollars outside of our city while needlessly increasing our carbon footprint.
It doesn't have to be this way. Philadelphia can recapture taxpayer money to create good jobs with access to enhanced career opportunities, and supply quality nourishing meals, strengthening our resilience and ability to care for our neighbors now and in the future.
Read on to learn how!
The Solution
Philly Cooks for Philly proposes the construction and staffing of a commercial scale central kitchen in Philadelphia. The kitchen would produce up to 20 million meals per year for schools, child care programs, and other publicly-funded meal programs operating in Philadelphia. With an emphasis on sustainability and local procurement, the kitchen will focus its hiring efforts on Philadelphia residents who struggle to find long-term employment with family sustaining wages by providing on-the-job training and career empowerment opportunities.
One Philly, A United City.
From H. Patrick Clancy, Executive Director of Philadelphia Works
"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 ."
Leadership Team
Molly Riordan, MRP
Philly Cooks for Philly, Co-Founder, Board Member
Center for Good Food Purchasing, Director of Institutional Impact
Bob Reusche
Philly Cooks for Philly, Co-Founder, Board Member
US Foods, Inc, (retired, 7/2022)
Kurt Evans
Philly Cooks for Philly, Board Member
Chef Activist
Principal, CYL Hospitality,
David Crossed
Philly Cooks for Philly, Advisor, Board member
Philadelphia Works, Board Member
Kids Smiles, Board Member
Drexel University, Assistant VP of Strategic Initiatives, Information Technology,
Former Partner at business consulting practices
Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D.
Philly Cooks for Philly, Coalition Member
Director, Drexel Food Core Lab, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Judy Ni
Philly Cooks for Philly, Coalition Member
Roux + baology : better food into more bellies, Owner