News & FAQ

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – IMPACT STUDY

“For too many in our City, the struggle to secure meaningful, family-sustaining jobs is incredibly difficult. We are fortunate to live in a City with a flourishing and dynamic restaurant scene, and a strong and diverse food system of suppliers, manufacturers, farmers, retailers and food service companies. Philly Cooks for Philly combines quality meal production jobs with a planned Career Empowerment Center, and aims to provide access to those seeking generational financial independence.

Councilmember Mike Squilla
District 1

FULL ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY

FullImpactStudy.pdf VIEW PDF

“When food is prepared locally, with care and purpose, it brings folks together. Bringing meal preparation back into our city with the Philly Cooks Central Kitchen will open up opportunities for formerly incarcerated people to re-engage meaningfully with the community and improve the quality and sustainability of the food that many Philly families depend on.”

Councilmember Kendra Brooks
At Large

PRESS RELEASE

PressReleaseNov24.pdf VIEW PDF

NewsletterSept2023.pdf VIEW PDF

FAQ

Why “Philly Cooks for Philly”?

Philadelphia institutions feed thousands of youth, adults, and seniors each day. Many of these meals are made outside of the city and trucked in, which means Philadelphians are not being employed to feed their neighbors. Philly Cooks for Philly means building a mechanism to employ Philadelphians to create and deliver meals that nourish community.

What is the Philly Cooks for Philly vision?

At its simplest, a central kitchen that employs Philadelphians to make meals served to other Philadelphians. Employment includes job training and career advancement, especially for people who struggle to find permanent, full-time employment with advancement opportunities. Meals are composed with nutrition, environmental sustainability, and local economic impact in mind, sourcing from regional producers and partners for freshness, cultural appropriateness, and joyful eating.

Who would use Philly Cooks for Philly?

Public programs and anchor institutions are likely the first and primary customers of a central kitchen. The operation will provide classes and training to support employee professional development in the local food economy. Additional partnerships with for-profit businesses are also possible.

Aren’t there other meal production facilities in Philadelphia that can do this?

Philadelphia is home to several nonprofit organizations that have built infrastructure to make meals for people in need. Where Philly Cooks differs is in scale: the Coalition for Philly Cooks for Philly plans for production of 20 million meals annually, far beyond the capacity of any existing commissary.

Who is part of the Philly Cooks for Philly coalition?

Philly Cooks has the support of leaders across the food system and business development ecosystem, including non-profit, for-profit and public organizations. For a full list of Coalition signatories, click here.

Where will the central kitchen be? How much will it cost?

In June of 2023, MFR Consultants produced a report on impact and feasibility. It estimates costs to be approximately $37 – $50 million to build and outfit the central kitchen, with additional costs for start-up and staff training.

How do I get involved with Philly Cooks for Philly?

If your organization is interested in building a stronger local economy or better food system, join the Philly Cooks for Philly Coalition and be a part of the effort. If you are an individual interested in learning other ways to get involved, email us at info@phillycooksforphilly.org.