Food Funders Program Series

The last year has amplified numerous inequities, from massive health disparities and economic inequality to racial injustices. The broken food system is a thread that runs through all these crises.

This three-part series brings together creative speakers and special events for JFN funders engaged in harnessing the full potential of food to nourish and transform our communities.

Transformative Change: An Afternoon with World Central Kitchen's Chef Grace Ramirez (Online)
Wednesday, May 26, 1-2 pm ET/10-11 am PT/ 8-9 pm Israel

This program reflects on how individuals can create large-scale change and shows how multiple stakeholders and sectors are necessary to change systems.

Founded by Chef José Andrés and a team of world-class chefs, World Central Kitchen (WCK) believes the future of nations depends on how they feed themselves. In 2020 alone WCK mobilized in communities around the world to meet the daily needs of families in need of a hot meal and supported thousands of local restaurants in the process. The team responded to natural and manmade disasters in countries on five continents, from massive bushfires in Australia to a deadly explosion in Lebanon, to devastating hurricanes in Central America. Team members' fight to feed hungry people has taken them to more places than they ever expected.

Hear the remarkable story of the creative culinary masterminds behind this work: Chef Grace Ramirez, whose journey has led her to the nexus of cooking, food systems, and social change, and CEO Nate Mook. In conversation, they will reflect on their unique journeys from the kitchens to the frontlines and share strategies for creating both small and large-scale change in our communities. Moderated by Mitchell Davis, Chief Strategy Officer of the James Beard Foundation.

Future Events in This Series

Food Funder Peer Roundtable (Online) 
Wednesday, June 30, 12–1 pm ET/9–10 am PT/ 7–8 pm Israel

Join around the Zoom kitchen table to learn how we’ve addressed food systems during the time of Covid-19 and candidly share what’s worked and what hasn’t.

Pre-Festival Food and Farming (in Israel)
Monday, October 25

A day of food, farms, and fun in-person as part of JFN’s Israel Ideas Festival, a live event that brings together funders for three days of engagement and learning in Israel.