World’s Biggest Family Meal’s goal is to raise $50,000 for The Good Food Job youth culinary training program. In October 2020, in the run-up to the most critical election in U.S. history, the vision for World’s Biggest Family Meal gelled in a most dire time for the hospitality trade. Then the search was on for the nonprofit that would be a true partner—one with a shared ethos and entrepreneurial, global-yet-local way of getting it done.
World’s Biggest Family Meal is setting out to raise $50,000 for Food 4 Soul’s newest Refettorio in Harlem, New York, supporting the project's Good Food Job culinary training program transforming food surplus into nutritious meals for five different community organizations & families experiencing food insecurity.
In unprecedented times, with hospitality professionals around the world impacted by the pandemic, let’s take care of those who take care of us. Chef Massimo Bottura, Lara Gilmore, Leiti Hsu, Alex Menache and other industry leaders and doers have announced the launch of the first World’s Biggest Family Meal (WBFM) in collaboration with Food for Soul (FFS) in January 2021.
This international movement, kicking off with a virtual event that reimagines the ritual of the “family meal,” provides much-needed mental, social, financial and other material, actionable support to restaurants and our communities.
You’re invited to this global culinary jam session that feeds not just stomachs but souls.
WHY: Let’s make mental health part of everyday conversation while serving nourishing meals that restore a sense of belonging for those in need.
We’ll reinvent the “temperature check.” Instead of a thermometer to the forehead, how about checking in like you mean it: “How are you—no, how are you really?”
WHO: Calling the world’s chefs and restaurant folks (plus regulars, friends and fans): You’re invited to a global “family meal,” that moment in the daily rhythm of a restaurant when the staff is taken care of before they take care of diners. We’re gathering more than 1,000 guests—virtually—to sit together for a family meal-inspired event about connection, intimacy and fun at a serious time when many are experiencing isolation, uncertainty and despair.
This is for anyone who has ever felt joy from the food, the company, the experience of a meal out and about or cooked for you by a loved one. We invite you to pull up a chair to our virtual table. Everyone is invited.
WHERE: Virtually (and globally) via Zoom video-conference link
RSVP: www.worldsbiggestfamilymeal.com
FEATURING: Your host Leiti Hsu, our guests of honor Massimo Bottura & Lara Gilmore, music chair Matt “FX” Feldman, Greg & Darin Bresnitz of Snacky Tunes, DJ Hotel Garuda, spoken word artist Propaganda.
WHEN: MONDAY, March 15, 2021, 3:00 - 4:30pm EST (9-10:30pm CET / 12-1:30pm PST)
WHAT: A virtual gathering of connection, flavors and surprises (of the good sort) during these toughest of times. Through stories told in solidarity, intimate breakout sessions, culinary demos and live music, we’ll celebrate the industry, our craft and frontline heroes, followed by a good, old-fashioned (virtual) dance party.
No matter who or where you physically are, ALL are welcome to our virtual meal. Those who can’t afford the $12 starting level ticket (minimum suggested donation), drop Leiti and Alex a note at [email protected], and we’ll cover you.
At the event, we’ll share actionable tools and resources, spaces and places online and in-real-life, to continue to nourish mental wellness, access community meals (and conversations), develop skills and discover hospitality career opportunities—or even volunteer your time—even after our virtual gathering has concluded.
World’s Biggest Family Meal is part of the ongoing movement to #SaveRestaurants, in collaboration with Lara Gilmore & Massimo Bottura’s Food for Soul.
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