Twelve years ago, I found myself in the middle of something I never expected: love, grief, generosity, fear, hope – all at once. When my late chef husband Ryan was diagnosed with cancer, we had no roadmap. But what we did have was a community that showed up in the most extraordinary ways – ones that still take my breath away.
That outpouring of support gave Ryan more time, more peace. And in the middle of that heartbreak, Giving Kitchen was born – not from strategy or planning, but from Ryan’s deep belief that no one should face crisis alone.
I never imagined that what started as a fight for one life would grow into a movement that’s provided over $15 million in financial assistance and helped more than 30,000 food service workers across the country. But here we are, 12 years later, because you believed in this mission.
You believed that no food service worker should have to face crisis alone.
You believed that dignity, compassion, and care should be practiced, not just promised.
You believed – and continue to believe – that love multiplies.
I still feel Ryan’s presence in this work every single day. I see it in the clients we serve, in our dedicated team, and in supporters like you who have helped build and sustain this legacy.
Today, on Giving Kitchen’s 12-year anniversary, will you help us keep that legacy alive? Your donation ensures that food service workers in crisis receive the support they need – when they need it most.
From the bottom of my heart: thank you. For standing with me. For believing in Giving Kitchen. For helping carry Ryan’s legacy forward.
With gratitude,
Jen Hidinger-Kendrick
Co-Founder