Here at CookIt, we are overwhelmed with many emotions about the devastating events occurring in Ukraine. Like many of you, weāre sad, angry, and looking for ways to help. We realize it can be difficult to know how to help from afar, so weāve compiled a list of 6 amazing food and hunger-targeted organizations. Donations can be made through their websites or social media pages.
Founded by chef JosĆ© AndrĆ©s, World Central Kitchen (WCK) launched an immediate response to Russiaās invasion. This organization was one of the first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Restaurants around the world are using the tagĀ #ChefsForUkraine to show their support for WCK by donating a portion of their proceeds to the organization.
Conflict is the main driver of hunger and food insecurity in the world. The World Food Program (WFP) is on the ground inside Ukraine and neighboring countries to provide critical food assistance to those affected by this devastating war.
Founded by Eastern European chefs Olia Hercules, Alissa Timoshkina, and Zuza Zak, this campaign is raising funds for Unicef UK’s Ukraine appeal and providing a platform on which Ukrainian families and their supporters can share recipes and stories, celebrating the country’s rich, complex and diverse culinary heritage.
In response to the current crisis, Bakers Against Racism (BAR) launched Bake for Ukraine, an emergency bake sale that calls upon people from all walks of life to host at-home bake sales and donate the proceeds to organizations in need.
The European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) brings together a network of over 300 Food Banks which are committed to fight against food waste and to reduce food insecurity. FEBA is currently prioritizing those affected by the war by supporting food banks in Ukraine and neighboring countries through the campaign #AllTogether4Ukraine.
CARE is working in countries all over the world to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice. This organization recently launched the Ukraine Crisis Fund in order to provide food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance ā prioritizing women and girls, families, and the elderly.
Weāre excited to welcome another incredible creator to our talent roster - Brandi of @theonepotmomma_! š
Brandi is a Southern Louisiana creator whose approachable one-pot recipes, entertaining ideas, and authentic family lifestyle have built a loyal, engaged community. As a working mom and entrepreneur with an extensive design background, she brings a unique perspective to food, home, and entertaining - creating polished, relatable content that inspires her audience and makes brand partnerships feel seamless!
Celebrating @phillycreamchsā NEW Lactose Free Cream Cheese with the @zenograms team at @sarabethsnyc! š
We had the best time sampling the new lactose-free cream cheese in a variety of delicious ways, getting our gifted @lecreuset butter dishes engraved, choosing our favorite mix-ins to create a custom cream cheese blend that we got to take home with a side of fresh bagels.
It was also so great to finally meet so many of our contacts and friendly faces in person and continue building those connections! š
A little glimpse into CookItās summer so far! š Weāve been heads down growing our talent roster, booking new partnerships, and keeping the momentum going, but weāve also been making sure to actually enjoy the season (shoutout to Summer Friday!)
Swipe to see what the team has been up to!
Molly (Executive Vice President) - sheās been going to the beach every weekend with Sedona, spent a week in Maine with her husband eating endless lobster, and learned to play Mahjong (and even won her first hand!) šļø
Laurie (Founder & CEO) - highlight of her summer was a family trip to Hawaii to celebrate her nephewās wedding (and eat all the buƱuelos!) š
Ronni (Talent Manager & Acquisition Lead) - trying out new restaurants and escaped NYC for a July 4th trip to Miami and Bimini, which of course included a boat day! š„ļø
Lauren (Talent Coordinator) - trip to New York, attended a FIFA World Cup match in LA, and has been teaching Pro NBA Prep classes! š
Carly (Talent Coordinator) - went on her honeymoon in Scottsdale, AZ! ā¤ļø
Megan (Talent Manager) - Maine, Block Island, and plenty of lobster rolls along the Connecticut shoreline! š¦
Kira (Content Manager) - trips to LA, Knicks finals watch party and parade, and trying plenty of matchas! šµ
Mariah (Talent Coordinator) - hanging with her foster kitties and attended the āMarilyn Monroe: Hollywood Iconā exhibit in LA! šāā¬
Aurora (Talent Manager) - horseback riding, making Fourth of July pancake art on the griddle, and kayaking with the dog! š„
Nothing beats meeting the brands we love in real life. š§”
We spent the week at @specialtyfoodassociationās Fancy Food Show in NYC catching up with old friends ā @thespicehouse, @latourangelle, @colavitausa, @lifewaykefir, @elmhurst1925, @javafactoryroasters, @manischewitzco, @momofukugoods, @isignyamerica ā and getting to know some new ones that completely stopped us in our tracks ā @jesseandbens, @fishwife, @masa_chips, @davidprotein, @loopini, @eatshameless, @merkatobymarcus, @nongshimusa, @vermontcreamery, and @butchersbonebroth š
Swipe for a few of our favorite moments from the floor!
Thereās just no substitute for shaking hands, tasting the product, and hearing the story behind it straight from the people building it.
Our founder @lauriebuck sat down with CJ Bruce on @themissingingredientagency podcast to talk about building creator businesses that last!
A few things covered:
š³ What a decade+ in food media (@bonappetitmag, Fine Cooking, @betterhomesandgardens) taught Laurie about the creator economy
š¤ What actually makes a brand + creator partnership work
š Why conversion isnāt the whole story when it comes to measuring influence
š¤ Her take on AI and whether itās coming for creator jobs
š Why the smartest creators are building beyond brand deals - a website, a product, a book, something thatās truly theirs
Full episode is live now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music! š§
P.S. - CJ is looking to feature more food & beverage creators on the show - real conversations about building a business beyond brand deals. If thatās you (or someone on our roster reading this), reach out and weāll make the intro!
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