In this episode of “From Kitchen to Cause”, we speak with Vashelle To, the owner of Rise & Grind SF (https://www.riseandgrind-sf.com/) . Rise & Grind is an independent coffee company conceptualized by people wanting to create a unique and exciting experience in coffee. For Rise & Grind this means sticking to their original ideas and not deviating from these. The foundations of their business model are ethics and community. Rise & Grind SF launched a campaign to support our local heroes who are serving on the front lines to provide aid during this pandemic. They are taking donations to offer coffee and pastries to be delivered to healthcare professionals and essential workers in San Francisco. The donations allow Rise and Grind to maintain a revenue stream to stay in business while serving the community.

#ethics #community #frontline-workers

In this episode of “From Kitchen To Cause”, we speak with Danny Ganim and Sharon Sealy, the owners of Islamorada Coffee Roasters in the Florida Keys (http://islamoradacoffeeroasters.com/). Islamorada Coffee Roasters’ mission is to make high quality, deliciously air-roasted organic coffee more accessible in the Florida Keys. Their founding cause is that everything they do is ethical. Danny and Sharon try to be as fair as possible. Most of their beans are sourced through Cafe Femenino, which supports small women owned farms. Their “I.CARE Blend” raises money for a coral restoration organization. Sharon and Danny have many conversations about fair trade coffee beans and environmental issues with their community.

#fair-trade #ethical #eco-friendly

In this episode of “From Kitchen To Cause”, we speak with Erik Taylor. Erik is the owner of Team Vinchay in Miami, Florida (https://teamvinchay.org/). Team Vinchay is a community organization that strives to inspire by demonstration and lead by example. Their mission is to live as eco-friendly as possible, strengthen their community, and inspire a more active and responsible public. They do so by creating inclusive events and partnerships in the community. Their Hideout Cafe is half a community center and half a place to demonstrate practical, clean ways of eating. By partnering with other organizations that are supporting the local community, Team Vinchay found that giving to others gives back to them. The ROI is not just financial. It's also keeping the Team Vinchay staff and customers inspired and loyal.

#eco-consciousness #positive-lifestyles

In this episode of "From Kitchen To Cause", we speak with Greg Rales, the owner of Red Gate Bakery in New York, NY (redgatebakery.com). Greg wants to impart safety, warmth, and nostalgia to remind you of baking cookies with your grandmother. By creating the space and having a platform, especially over the last few months when social causes have been more at the forefront of people's minds, and as a gay man owning a business in New York city, Greg has been vocal about using his voice to educate others. Red Gate uses any platform they have, whether that's their sign outside or social media or where they put our money. Red Gate supports the Okra Project, which focuses on the black trans community and making sure that the most marginalized demographic in this country is recognized and valued.

#lgbtq #blm #bakers-against-racism

In this episode of “From Kitchen To Cause”, we speak with Neeraj Miglani. Neeraj Miglani is the director at Zingari in San Francisco, CA (http://www.zingari.com/). Zingari was started 25 years ago by Neeraj’s father, Krishan Miglani. Miglani is all about delivering Italian culture and is known as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco. Neeraj and his family run their business with the intention of providing an elegant experience, but also along the way doing good. Their team engages with organizations in the community, such as the Episcopal Community Services. Through the Chefs Program, Zingari helps with workforce development and other resources such as counseling to people experiencing homelessness. Zingari is doing a GoFundMe campaign to provide 500 meals: https://www.gofundme.com/f/giving-back-with-meals-for-homeless  Neeraj believes that collaborating with other entrepreneurs and giving your team more responsibilities helps share your cause.

conquer #homelessness

In this episode of “From Kitchen To Cause”, we speak with Jason Waller. Jason is the owner of Waller's Coffee Shop in Decatur, GA (https://www.wallerscoffeeshop.com/). Jason opened Waller’s Coffee Shop because he wanted to have a music venue and a coffee shop and he wanted to help break the stigma attached to mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety. Waller’s Coffee hosts different seminars and workshops and shows focused on mental health. They’ve done projects with NAMI and local nonprofits and outreach. One of the biggest things they did was provide an atmosphere where it's okay to be yourself and it's okay to talk about struggling. Waller’s has stayed connected to customers digitally with a Youtube series, Depression Awareness Dude and weekly video mental health check-ins.

#mental-health