In 2016, Feed the Hood started as “Hotdogs for the Hood.” However, when a Westinghouse teacher stated that, for some of the students, this would be their last meal of the day, “Hotdogs for the Hood” became “Feed The Hood.” At that moment, Chef Carlos Thomas of Confluence Catering made it his mission to “feed the entire city for free or for profit.”
Feed The Hood’s mission is to expand the culinary workforce by providing students with peer-to-peer mentorship, culinary training, and real-world experience that prepares them for employment in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Feed The Hood’s vision is to create a community of innovative, engaged food service professionals within this industry who focus on sustaining a healthy food environment and community.
In addition, the organization continues to transform into a multi-dimensional powerhouse that improves relationships between people and food and develops new approaches toward food and policy via a three-step, “theory of change” approach:
Build healthy relationships to construct a sustainable and equitable food system.
Use innovation to inspire communities to develop healthy habits.
Establish dynamic relationships that put community at the forefront.
When students complete a Feed the Hood program, they gain a vivid understanding of what they can offer to the industry—and society at large. The model is designed to focus the demographic regardless of age, color, or ethnic origin at age 5 and older.
Feed the Hood also serves as a voice of generations to end food insecurity.
Find out more about Feed the Hood. Log on to Facebook and friend Feed the Hood PA. Visit Chef Carlos Thomas’ LinkedIn page. Or log on to justsaychef.com and click on Community: Feed the Hood.
