ABOUT US
Vision
Connected and strengthened Social Gastronomy communities around the world working towards an equitable future, inclusive society, and a healthy planet.
Mission
We engage people in food systems to collaborate for social change.
Values
Service, Equity, Collaboration, and Gratitude
Social Gastronomy uses the power of food to generate social change
We support members of this network by
Coordinating and connecting this group of inspiring change-makers, giving visibility to grassroots voices, and facilitating the space for true connection, dialogue, knowledge exchange, and coalition building
Mobilizing collective action within local communities and global action campaigns
Building capacity through training, tool kits, and storytelling platforms to enable radical collaboration and collective impact
Co-creating and scaling innovations and solutions to food system inequities and the disconnect we face in our society
Our Story
The Social Gastronomy Movement was born from a shared belief: food can be a tool for social change.
What began as a gathering of 50 food system changemakers has grown into a global community across 70+ countries—chefs, nonprofits, activists, and entrepreneurs working toward a more just and inclusive food future.
OUR RECIPE FOR CHANGE
OUR TEAM
Hello! We are the SGM Backbone team! We’re a multi-cultural, de-centralized, and enthusiastic team that is passionate about the Social Gastronomy Movement. Together, we serve as the support system to our global community, spending our days fostering connection, collaboration, and partnerships!
Ruwani De Silva, Sri Lanka
Operations and Knowledge Lead
NSUNGWE MULENDEMA, Zambia
Communications & Community Engagement Lead
OUR BOARD
Charles Holmes, Canada
Associated Organizations: CE Holmes Consulting
Josephine Baiamonte, USA
Associated Organizations: JB Consulting
Patrick Honauer, Switzerland
President
Associated Organizations: Co-Founder Social Gastronomy movement, Food Networks, and DieCuisine.
Lena Friblick, Sweden
Associated Organizations: Botildenborg
Rafael Rincón, Chile
Associated Organizations: Co-founder and President - Fundación Gastronomía Social Chile.
Michelle Horovitz, USA
Associated Organizations: Co-founder, Vice President of Innovation - Appetite for Change
PARTNERS AND ALLIES
The Social Gastronomy movement recognizes the value of partnerships with foundations, corporate entities, and other allies in driving social change. By collaborating with partners and allies, the movement can leverage its resources, expertise, and networks to amplify its impact. The movement values its partners who share its commitment to using food as a tool for social transformation and align with its core principles. These partnerships are built on mutual respect, transparency, and a shared vision for a more equitable and sustainable food system.
When working with corporate partners, the Social Gastronomy movement fosters meaningful collaborations that go beyond traditional philanthropy. It seeks to establish strategic partnerships that create shared value and lasting impact. Corporate partners may contribute by providing financial support, in-kind donations, or leveraging their business expertise to develop sustainable solutions. They can also offer mentorship, job training, and employment opportunities for individuals from marginalized communities. By combining the movement's expertise in social gastronomy and the corporate partner's resources, innovative solutions can be developed to address pressing social issues, such as food waste, hunger, and social exclusion. These partnerships aim to create a positive change in communities, promote social responsibility, and inspire other businesses to embrace sustainable and inclusive practices.
We are grateful to our wonderful partners and allies who have committed to standing by us and supporting our mission.
We need both technical and financial support to strengthen our collective work and accelerate the positive change through food. If you are interested in contributing to the growth of our global network, please get in touch with Ruwani at community@socialgastronomy.org