Atlanta Nonprofit Supports Food Service Workers in Crisis

Giving Kitchen, founded in the memory of a late chef, has now assisted over 37,000 food service workers nationwide.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:06pm

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Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta-based nonprofit, provides emergency financial assistance and resources to food service workers in crisis. The organization was founded in 2012 after the late Chef Ryan Hidinger was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, and the community rallied to support him and his wife. Now in its 14th year, Giving Kitchen has assisted over 37,000 food service workers across the country, with the goal of helping the estimated 1-2% of the 15.8 million food service workers who are in crisis at any given time.

Why it matters

The food service industry is a vital part of the economy, employing millions of workers, many of whom live paycheck-to-paycheck. Giving Kitchen's work highlights the importance of supporting these workers, especially in times of crisis, and the power of community-driven initiatives to make a meaningful difference.

The details

Giving Kitchen was founded by Jen Hidinger-Kendrick and her late husband, Chef Ryan Hidinger, after he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer in 2012. The community rallied to support the couple, hosting a fundraiser to cover their mortgage and utilities during his treatment. This fundraiser became the basis for Giving Kitchen's signature annual event, Team Hidi. Now led by CEO Allison Padilla-Goodman, Giving Kitchen provides financial assistance and resources to food service workers facing emergencies, such as medical issues, natural disasters, or other crises. The organization has received over 60,000 'Ask for Help' forms, but estimates there are many more workers in need.

  • Giving Kitchen was founded in 2012 after Chef Ryan Hidinger's cancer diagnosis.
  • The organization is now in its 14th year of operation.
  • Giving Kitchen's signature event, Team Hidi, is held annually.

The players

Giving Kitchen

An Atlanta-based nonprofit that provides emergency assistance to food service workers in crisis.

Jen Hidinger-Kendrick

One of the founders of Giving Kitchen and the widow of co-founder Chef Ryan Hidinger.

Chef Ryan Hidinger

The late co-founder of Giving Kitchen, who was diagnosed with late-stage cancer in 2012, inspiring the creation of the organization.

Allison Padilla-Goodman

The CEO of Giving Kitchen, who helps the organization provide financial assistance and resources to food service workers in need.

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What they’re saying

“I think back to a pivotal moment when Ryan was still alive. We were toying around with the concept of building Giving Kitchen for the first time. Who would Giving Kitchen serve, and how would we do that? He said at the time, his directive was, 'I want Giving Kitchen to be for everyone —everyone in the food service industry, and not just people like him.'”

— Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, Co-founder of Giving Kitchen (Atlanta News First)

“Last Friday, we just had our 60,000th 'Ask for Help' form submitted. Every time we hit a big number, we get really excited. But there are 15.8 million food service workers in this country, and it is estimated that one to two percent are in crisis at any given time. So, we're not going to feel totally satisfied until we hit 158,000 'Ask for Help' forms per year and we can fully support all those food service workers.”

— Allison Padilla-Goodman, CEO of Giving Kitchen (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

Giving Kitchen's signature annual fundraiser, Team Hidi, will be held on Saturday, bringing together hundreds of food service workers to honor Chef Hidi's vision and support the organization's continued efforts.

The takeaway

Giving Kitchen's work highlights the vital role that food service workers play in our communities and the importance of providing support and resources to these workers, especially during times of crisis. The organization's growth and impact over the past 14 years demonstrate the power of community-driven initiatives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.