Mission & vision
Dignified food access for all
Connected Chef is an organization of cooks and restaurant workers on a mission…
To build a community-controlled food system that ensures every Queens’ household has consistent access to local, nutritious food; provides healthy eating education; and pathways to financial agency.
We work toward this mission with Lifeline Groceries and our equitable farm stand programming. Through these efforts, Connected Chef delivers fresh, nutrient dense, culturally appropriate groceries to our largely Latino community, while supporting local farms and businesses, creating job opportunities and building community power.
Our values
Connected Chef believes that all communities have the ability to create systems that uplift and equalize all of its members through the lenses of food, racial, environmental, labor, and housing justice.
The heart of our work lies in our grocery distribution where community members are able to receive the same quantity of groceries regardless of payment.
Lifeline Groceries is the beginning of addressing the immediate needs of our food insecure neighbors, while supporting local farmers and climate centered initiatives.
Our team
Core Organizing Team
Kim Calichio: Co-Founder, Development Director
Omar Bravo-Pavia: Co-Founder, Operations Director
Liz Alvarez: Programs Director
Valentin Islas: Assistant Operations Manager
Karina Vasquez: Communications & Outreach
Liz Rosario-Brady: Food Justice Educator
Volunteer Coordinator
Rebecca Light-Forlenza
Packing Team
Simitrio Bravo
Alfonso Martinez
Judy Maravilla
Driving Team
Neil Soto
Calvin Leong
Estefani Lopez
Where to find us
Our operations and community center is located at:
49-09 5th Street, Long Island City
There you will find our Urban Farm Stand, community garden, volunteer opportunities, and seasonal classes.
Urban Farm Stand Hours
Thursday - Friday, 2 - 5 pm
Saturday, 11 - 2 pm (Spring-Fall)
You can also find our Urban Farm Stand seasonally at the Astoria Open Street on 31st Ave Open Street, between 33rd & 34th Street.
Saturday, 1 - 3 pm
We have also created Lifeline community hubs in multiple neighborhoods. These community hubs are open weekly to pick up Lifeline Groceries. We are currently partnered with the following schools:
PS14Q (Corona)
PS110 (Corona)
Queensbridge Community Houses (LIC)
The Young Women’s Leadership School (Astoria)
PS17/Q300 (Astoria)
PS84 (Astoria-Ditmars)
Programs
Lifeline Groceries
Urban Farm Stand
Press
Financial reports
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View 2023 Annual Report (English)
Annual report of 2022 achievements & learning, as well as 2023 goals & strategy.
Ver 2023 Annual Report (Spanish)
Informe anual de logros y aprendizaje de 2022, así como objetivos y estrategia de 2023.
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Focus Report outlining goals & financial needs for FY2023
Informe Focus que describe los objetivos y las necesidades financieras para el año fiscal 2023
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Financial Review by independent CPA & FY2022 990 filed with IRS.
Revisión financiera por CPA independiente y FY2022 990 presentado ante el IRS.
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Financial Review by independent CPA & FY2021 990 filed with IRS.
Revisión financiera por CPA independiente y FY2021 990 presentado ante el IRS.
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