Cooks Who Care Co-Founders, Maria & Scott Campbell
Mission
Cooks Who Care creates opportunities for connection and mental well-being through shared food experiences.
Through Food is Therapy and Food is History, we bring people together to cook, share stories, and build relationships that support mental health and strengthen community. We believe food is more than nourishment – it is a way to connect, heal, preserve culture, and strengthen our communities.
Your support helps us produce free community events, create educational films and inspire your wellbeing cookbooks, and collaborate with chefs, storytellers, and community partners who believe in the power of food to bring people together in positive ways.
What We Do
Food is Therapy
Food is Therapy is a community cooking series that brings people together through hands-on culinary experiences. Each event creates space for conversation, connection, and storytelling while demonstrating how cooking together can support mental well-being and strengthen community.
Food is History
Food is History celebrates the stories behind the recipes that shape our communities. Through cooking demonstrations, historical storytelling, and community partnerships, we preserve culinary traditions and honor the people whose contributions deserve to be remembered.
Community Cookbooks & Films
We document the recipes, stories, and experiences shared through our events to create cookbooks and short films that inspire connection, preserve history, and encourage others to gather around the table.
Our Story
Cooks Who Care began with a community cookbook that brought together Philadelphia chefs, food professionals, and local partners around a shared belief: food has the power to connect people and support mental health and wellbeing of others.
That first cookbook became a part of a larger vision.
Today, Cooks Who Care has grown into a community movement that produces Food is Therapy and Food is History events throughout the region and beyond, bringing together chefs, creators, businesses, and neighbors to share meals, tell stories, and build stronger communities through food.
In this first-of-its-kind cookbook, you’ll find recipes and home entertaining ideas for cooks of all skill levels and learning styles. It’s packed with seasonally inspired ideas that are sure to bring people together. Everything from no-fuss classics to chefs’ creations. There’s nothing more wonderful than gathering with your closest family and friends for an at-home get-together and creating delicious dishes and drinks for your loved ones. Get to know a community of 28+ amazing Philly food professionals filmed in 4 stunning locations around Philly; Hillside Farm, FarmerJawn Agriculture, Laurel Restaurant, and Pistolas del Sur. Assist with access to mental health services with recipes inspired by our community found in 80 gorgeous pages designed by Tim Hill.
Support Our Work
Your donation helps make our food activation programs accessible to everyone.
Your support allows us to keep on walking to support mental health and wellbeing of others.
- Produce free community cooking events.
- Partner with chefs, community leaders, and local organizations.
- Film and share stories that inspire hope and connection
- Create future community cookbooks.
- Expand Food is Therapy and Food is History into more neighborhoods.
Together, we’re building healthier, more connected communities—one meal, one story, and one shared experience at a time.
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PRESS ARCHIVE
March 2024: Edible Philly
September 22, 2023: Cookbooks and Convos
September 21, 2023: Preston & Steve
July 25, 2023: Fox 29 Philadelphia
July 19, 2023: 6ABC Philadelphia
June 29, 2023: Metro Philadelphia
January 19, 2023: New Jersey Monthly
November 18, 2022: Philadelphia Magazine
July 29, 2022: Philly Grub
Donate
or
Mail a check made payable to:
Cooks Who Care c/o CCCF
28 West Market Street
West Chester, PA 19382