Shake up your mind: CHEF CAN MAKE A CHANGE!

Chefs have a unique part to play in making the food system more environmentally sustainable, socially just, and delicious. They connect producers and consumers, understand where food comes from, and know what consumers want.

Food Tank is excited to highlight 24 chefs and organizations who are making change everyday in kitchens around the world.

Dan Barber, chef at Blue Hill and Stone Barns in New York, as well as the Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, educates his patrons about where their food comes from and the good agricultural practices required to produce it.

According to Barber, “Chefs are such an important part of things. We can shape culture, habit, and excitement because all of a sudden chefs are cultural icons. I’m chronicling the rise of the empowered chef who is able to change our conception of what a gourmet meal is.”

The chefs and organizations we are highlighting are some of the industry’s leaders, but they are not alone. Please let us know of chefs you think are creating a more sustainable – and tasty – food system!

Michel Nischan, founder of Wholesome Wave, has over 30 years of experience working for a better food system. Wholesome Wave works to increase access to healthy food, prioritize nutrition, and generate revenue for farmers.

José Andrés is the chef behind Minibar and Jaleo in Washington, D.C. and also the founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK). At WCK the focus is on building “smart kitchens,” training people how to safely and properly use cookstoves, generating jobs, and strengthening local economies around the world.

Haiti Breathes is a partnership between WCK, USAID, Chemonics, and Switch Haiti that is converting 800 schools in and around Port au Prince from charcoal energy to liquid petroleum gas.

Marc Vetri is responsible for launching not only some of the best restaurants in Philadelphia, but also the Vetri Foundation for Children, whose mission is to educate children about healthy eating through teaching and social interaction. Vetri’s foundation has reformed school lunches in several Philadelphia schools.

So,what do you think?

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