The COOK Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to legalizing the sale of home cooked meals. Their groundbreaking policies aim to legitimize the informal food economy by providing permits for small home restaurants called Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs). The COOK Alliance envisions a world where home-based culinary entrepreneurs, especially those from historically underserved communities, have accessible opportunities to earn dignified incomes through their small businesses.

Additionally, they strive to expand access to fresh meals and foster resilient community connections. The mission of the COOK Alliance is to legalize home cooking businesses and empower culinary entrepreneurs to define their own success and enrich their communities. They are committed to making these opportunities accessible to all, particularly underserved women, immigrants, and people of color.

The COOK Alliance is a coalition of individuals who advocate for the recognition of home cooking as dignified and socially invaluable work. They have successfully passed two California laws that legalized the sale of home cooked food and have fostered a supportive community for entrepreneurial home cooks. Their work includes translating labor and social justice interests into equitable legislation and providing advocacy and support to home cooks.

In addition to providing healthier food access and strengthening community fabric, home cooking reminds us that we are not alone in our everyday burdens. The COOK Alliance believes that in moments of uncertainty or loneliness, there is always a warm seat at a table, in a lovingly lit kitchen, filled with the comforting smells of home cooked food. Join the COOK Alliance's movement by signing up with your email address to stay informed about the home cooking revolution across the country