The Connected Chef is a brand that understands the power of food in creating connections and joy in our lives. They believe that food has the ability to bring individuals, families, and communities closer together. Started in 2016, The Connected Chef began teaching families how to cook and garden using the resources they already had.

This initiative aimed to reconnect people with their food sources and empower them with the skills to prepare delicious meals. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit NYC in March 2020, The Connected Chef launched the Lifeline Grocery Initiative to assist restaurant workers and individuals who didn't qualify for unemployment or stimulus assistance. They started ordering nutrient-dense groceries from restaurant wholesalers, repackaging them into individual bags, and delivering them directly to households in need.

Today, they serve over 700 families weekly with fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. The Connected Chef operates as a collaborative and transparent organization, with a staff that comprises 75% of professionals from the restaurant industry who were affected by the pandemic. They prioritize fair wages and a quality work experience for their team members.

The brand also practices open communication, boundary setting, and transparency in all areas of their work. If you share their mission and are a local farm or business, The Connected Chef welcomes collaborations. Contact them at Lifeline@theconnectedchef.

org or call (347) 428-5225. All donations to The Connected Chef Foundation, Inc