Fresh Chefs Society: 2012-2022
For nearly 10 years, Fresh Chefs Society evolved and adapted however we could to serve youth in foster care. We became more creative than ever before during the pandemic. Now, with both heavy hearts and excitement I share with you that Fresh Chefs is sunsetting.
While the organization will no longer exist, trust me when I say the heart of Fresh Chefs isn’t going away. By stepping back and reimagining what success could look like for our mission, the Board of Directors found another sustainable outlet that will empower young people in foster care through food, with more staff, resources and opportunities for employment and support.
As Fresh Chefs’ chapter comes to a close, we announce a new partnership with two local non-profits that also use food as their medium: Urban Roots and Good Work Austin.
Urban Roots is a food justice non-profit that cultivates leaders through farming and community nourishment. They offer extensive, paid farm fellowships and use a proven leadership development program model.
Good Work Austin is an Austin non-profit run by local restaurateurs, chefs and professionals in the food industry. They are building a community kitchen and cafe, and are committed to training and hiring foster youth.
The Fresh Chef Initiative picks up our work with foster care and invests in a 2 year project involving hands-on learning, job training, emotional support, proven leadership and development experiences, and employment. This pilot program is funded by Fresh Chefs Society and will be executed by Urban Roots and Good Work Austin.
“ All the work and investment we have made together will provide foster youth with hands-on learning from culinary leaders, deep connections with peers, and a continuum of support that includes job training and employment.” – Frances Devinny, Executive Director, Urban Roots
We couldn’t be more thrilled with this next evolution and the potential to invest in the lives of young people in foster care. My North Star throughout this journey was the opportunity to provide positive experiences for growth to the brilliant young people that find themselves moving through the system – like the ones I needed when I was in care, to change my life trajectory. Urban Roots and Good Work Austin cultivate those experiences, every day. Please get to know these important organizations and watch them continue to accomplish amazing things!
|| When McCall and I started Fresh Chefs in 2012, our goal was to inspire the Austin community to show up for foster youth through connections only sharing a good meal could make. We are so grateful to you for coming alongside, saying yes, and loving Fresh Chefs as much as us.
To the countless restaurants, chefs, food artisans, home cooks, and great meal lovers, thank you for sharing your passion, your expertise, and vision.
To our supporters, many of which have been sustaining donors for so very long, your belief and investment in our mission kept us going more than you know.
To our volunteers, you were the engine that powered our work.
To the board members who served and guided Fresh Chefs through the incredible highs and the challenging lows, your volunteer leadership was critical.
To our incredible foster care organization partners, the foster care parents, the therapists, and case managers – thank you for trusting us with your people and for your tireless love of their future.
And to the youth who are our why – please know that you are our hearts and the honor to know you, learn from you, and watch you shine, made Fresh Chefs successful on day 1.
Here’s to an exciting new chapter. Our website features links to both partner organizations and will retain our online library of recipes and cooking videos. We hope you will follow Urban Roots and Good Work Austin as they work to bring joy and opportunity to our youth living in and out of foster care.
