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Our Story.

 

Philo’s Kitchen was born out of loss as well as love for cooking and our community. After losing our past business during the COVID-19 pandemic, we found ourselves reflecting on what truly mattered—and we kept coming back to the families and kids we had gotten to know while working in low-income school districts. Many of them were struggling not just financially, but with consistent access to nutritious meals.

Seeing good food go to waste while people went hungry motivated us to become involved in finding a solution. We knew we could do something about it. So we started Philo’s Kitchen with one mission: to turn surplus perishable food into delicious, ready to heat and eat meals for those who need them most.

What started with a few donated ingredients and a borrowed kitchen has grown into a movement—powered by volunteers, partnerships, and a community that cares.

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​Beyond meals, Philo’s Kitchen is building a broader health initiative — teaching nutrition, cooking skills, and the value of good food as a pathway to stronger, healthier lives.

ABOUT US

Misson

Statement

Problem

To provide full nutritious meals to those in need by repackaging perishable food that would have otherwise been thrown away by food distributors. 

Some food banks and donation centers take these perishable foods, but do not have the means to distribute them before they expire. Unfortunately, these tend to be the most nutritious. With only a small window of time to save this food before it goes bad, almost all of it is discarded. 

Solution

We collect the perishable food donations, and then cook, package and freeze them; thus extending the shelf life and providing those in need a nutritious meal.  

We are creating a method and service that helps multiple different groups solve two different problems which are, feeding those in need and cutting out food waste . This process is what makes our initiative work and more effective.

Fundraising For The New Home Of Philo's Kitchen! 

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2026 Funding Plan Overview
 

Who We Serve

Families experiencing food insecurity, working parents, children, and community members who need reliable access to nutritious meals, safe after-school care, and food education.

Why It Matters

Many families juggle work, childcare, and limited access to healthy food. Our goal is to bring those needs together in one place by providing:

  • After-school meals, homework support, and supervised activities

  • Morning breakfast pickup

  • Frozen take-home meals for families

  • Transportation partnerships with local schools (planned)

This model helps reduce food insecurity, supports working parents, and creates stronger long-term outcomes for children.

Service Area

Our goal is to establish this hub near the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood, within 10–15 minutes of nearby schools to support transportation, breakfast pickup, and after-school programming. Outside of that we will be able to distribute all over the city as well. 

Our Community Hub

A welcoming, 3,000 sq. ft. facility designed to serve families every day.

Key spaces include:

  • Commercial kitchen

  • Walk-in cooler and freezer

  • Meal packaging area

  • Classroom for cooking and nutrition education

  • Kids’ homework and activity room

  • Family meal pickup area

  • Flexible multipurpose space for community events and fundraising dinners

What We Need

  • A suitable facility

  • School transportation partnerships

  • Staff (Program Manager and Chef)

  • Insurance and operational systems

  • Furniture and classroom equipment

  • Scheduling and communication systems

  • Packaging equipment and supplies (packaging machine already donated)

  • Continued volunteer support

Growth & Revenue Opportunities

The space will allow us to:

  • Expand eligibility for educational and food-related grants

  • Host cooking classes, camps, and workshops

  • Offer corporate team-building cooking experiences

  • Hold community markets and pop-up events

  • Provide limited kitchen rentals to mission-aligned organizations

  • Grow retail meal sales to support our mission

  • Record interviews and community stories that increase awareness and engagement

Long-Term Sustainability

Our long-term model focuses on:

  • Diverse grant funding through education and food programs

  • Partnerships with schools and community organizations

  • Sustainable operating budgets for staff and facilities

  • Tracking meals served, attendance, and program impact to measure success

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