Culinary Care

This might ruffle some feathers because I know everyone means well—but here it is: When someone is struggling, the best support is often the kind that requires the least effort on their end. Let me explain. Last week, someone called me asking how to get a meal to a friend who was just diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, Culinary Care isn’t in their area (yet). My advice? Pick something that brings you joy and send a frozen version of it. Their response? "Well, I want to know they'll actually eat it. Let me text their family and ask." Their family's response? Silence. And just like that, nothing happened. This is how cancer ghosting becomes a thing. People truly want to help, but when they don’t get a response, they hesitate, and too often, they end up doing nothing at all. So here’s the truth: The best way to support someone is to simply show up -- without needing confirmation, without expecting a reply, and without making it harder on them. If they’re hungry, they’ll eat. If they’re overwhelmed, they’ll appreciate the gesture. Either way, they’ll know they’re not alone. Be the Culinary Care for your people!

Every hour, more than 13 cancer patients lose their lives due to malnutrition. It's a complex problem, but one of the contributing factors is loss of appetite. Sharing restaurant-prepared meals doesn't just make someone's day brighter, it can help transform treatment outcomes. "If you had seen me before [Culinary Care], I was malnourished looking. I was withdrawn and had no energy. I started eating their meals and I started feeling alive!" This #NationalNutritionMonth, take 2:18 minutes of your day to hear from our families and then take action to make sure nourishment is always on the table for families fighting cancer >> culinarycare.org/theline

Thank you to Good Morning Texas for featuring our founder, Courtney Johnson! Tune in for an important conversation -- one that doesn’t get talked about enough. To everyone who saw this segment and joined The Line, our monthly giving community -- thank you! Because of you, families facing cancer will have more good days than bad. And if you feel inspired and want to join us today, visit culinarycare.org/theline #onegoodthing?#goodmorningtexas?#dallas #cancercommunity?#cancercare?#nonprofit

After my interview with the reporter, I hung up the phone feeling uneasy. It seemed like she was going to take a negative spin. But everyone reassured me "There’s no way! You're doing amazing work. How could she take a negative spin?" It was 2015. I was 25 and had just landed a big feature in a business publication for Culinary Care. The article came out. The headline? "Baby’s First Gala." Fast forward a decade, and this "baby" has turned that first gala into an annual fundraiser that's raised ~$1 million, engages volunteers, raises awareness, and has been the foundation of our growth. I am so honored, excited and grateful to be celebrating 10 years of our Corporate Cook-Off fundraiser (which, btw, is entirely different from our gala).

Earlier today, someone walked into their first chemotherapy treatment, not knowing their hospital wouldn’t provide a meal. But for the rest of their treatments? They won’t have to worry because someone like you made sure a warm meal would be there for them, unconditionally. It feels like magic to our families, but it's actually a compassionate group of people doing what they can to ease the burden of cancer and bring joy into people's lives. Culinary Care is accepting applications for its Associate Board! If you know someone who loves to stay busy, finds joy in making people happy through food, and is relentless when they care about something, we’d love to meet them. >> culinarycare.org/lead

Culinary Care is hiring! A mission like ours needs talent like yours. We have a role open for someone who is passionate and relentless in their pursuit of innovative and high-quality work. Sponsorship Manager (Remote, Based in Chicago) It's an incredible opportunity for someone who wants to use their relationship-building, creative, and sales skills as a force for good. You'll get to be part of incredible events, work with the most compassionate corporate leaders, and help grow our mission. Check out the job description & apply: https://lnkd.in/gR2nXRQU

?? Submit your 2025 wishlist! ?? Every meal we provide to cancer patients and their families is made possible by the compassion and generosity of this incredible community! Your feedback is key to helping us grow and ensure we’re making the greatest impact. So, as we look ahead to 2025, we’d love to know: What do you want to see from Culinary Care in 2025? Visit https://lnkd.in/gi6X8T4x to submit your wishlist! ??? Your generosity gives us so much hope—thank you for helping us shape the future of cancer care! #newyear #nonprofitplanning

Your generosity was the secret ingredient that made the past year brighter for families battling cancer. ?? Together, we filled thousands of plates with nourishing meals, creating a community of support and bringing smiles and strength to those who needed it most. But it’s more than just filling plates; it’s about creating a recipe for change. ? Your kindness has set the stage for another impactful year (and beyond!). As we look ahead, we see a future filled with hope, fueled by your commitment to providing nourishment and support to those navigating a cancer diagnosis. On behalf of our team at Culinary Care, we wish you a year filled with love, warmth, and the joy that comes from making a difference in the lives of others! Warmly, ~ your friends at Culinary Care P.S. On the blog, we’re sharing how your kindness has set the stage for a new year of impact. Visit https://lnkd.in/gRhsidWE for more! ?? #happynewyear #newyear #cancersupport #cancercommunity

Courtney here! ?? I recently had the privilege of delivering a meal to Teretha and celebrating with her as she rang the bell (cancer patients are invited to ring the bell on their last day of chemotherapy). The sound of the bell ringing was so joyful, and your spirit of generosity and compassion was right there with us! "To ring that bell was such a great joy, and having Culinary Care right there with me made it even more special. They were there cheering me on—it was amazing. I was so happy!" You played a critical role in making this moment happen. You filled Teretha’s plate with delicious meals during every single treatment, and you filled her heart with hope, strength, and comfort. You helped her get to this moment. It’s been my privilege to witness these celebrations and see the joy and hope your contributions bring to our recipients. Thank you for bringing smiles and hope to countless lives! Wishing you a magical holiday season filled with love, warmth, and the joy that comes from making a difference in the lives of others. Gratefully, ~ Courtney

Far too many cancer patients are skipping meals and feeling alone. This year, our Corporate Cook-Off community is changing that for 250 families -- ensuring a good meal is always waiting for them during treatment and a caring neighbor is always a phone call away. And, we had a lot of fun doing it! It’s one of those gifts you don’t realize you need—until you’re on the receiving end. “Patients like me are often left to skip meals or ration a portion of a meal for one day just to keep going. But now that we have Culinary Care, we don't have to choose between food and care.” - Lynda “It’s stressful enough worrying about trying to get to your appointment and wondering how the treatment will go that day without having to think about what to eat. This program lets me focus on getting better.” - Judith “I need to have positive things to occur in my life. These deliveries make me feel that I am special.” - Alice The ripple effect of your generosity is exponential. Thank you! Mars, IMC Trading, Edlong Flavor Solutions, Barings, Golub Capital, TPG Twin Brook Capital Partners, Feldco Windows, Siding, Doors and Roofing, Capital One, Much Shelist, P.C., tastytrade, Apogem Capital, Clark Construction Group, LG CONSTRUCTION, PEAK6, CME Group, RBC Capital Markets, UnitedHealthcare, Alvarez & Marsal