Backgrounder/FAQ
Describe Chefs Collaborative Chefs Collaborative is a national chef network that’s changing the sustainable food landscape using the power of connections, education and responsible buying decisions. We are: • • •
Cultivating a vibrant community to develop and share best practices Facilitating farmer/chef relationships Providing educational and informational resources to the professional food service and culinary community
How is Chefs Collaborative different than other NGOs/sustainable food organizations? Chefs Collaborative is the only sustainable food organization developed by and for chefs. We understand the day-to-day realities of cooking and sourcing food, and offer practical tools, wellresearched information and valuable connections so chefs can lead the way in making a difference. What are some of the key sustainable food issues you address? Chefs Collaborative addressesa number of topics within the greater food community: •
Sustainable Seafood
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Heritage Animals/Heirloom Crops
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Farm to Chef/Locavore Movement
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Chefs Using the Whole Animal
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Renewing America’s Food Traditions (RAFT)
Tell me about the resources you offer to members? Chefs Collaborative offers in-depth pieces, research, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, technical support for building a regional network, as well as a number of educational programs to help chefs make more informed purchasing decisions. Theseinclude: 1. Chef’s Guide to Sourcing Sustainable Seafood – Publication of useful guidelines 2. Green Chefs, Blue Ocean – Online sustainable seafood tutorial for chefs & students 3. Farm To Chef – Connecting chefs with local farmers, developing productive partnerships 4. National Summit – Hundreds of culinary and foodservice pros gather to share ideas & expertise Seeour Green Chefs, Blue Ocean FAQand ‘Story Ideas & Chef Sources’ for more information.
89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111* 617-236-5200 * ChefsCollaborative.org
Other member benefits? One of the key member benefits is the chance to network with other chefs to exchange ideas and expertise. Members also enjoy staying current on sustainable food news from a trustworthy source, receiving pre-filtered information that savestime and through the clutter.
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Do you have subject matter experts we can contact for stories? Yes! We consider Chefs Collaborative the go-to source for those seeking the chef voice on issuesof sustainability. Our network of over 6,000 chefs and producers (many of whom are local and national stars with great expertise and knowledge) are available for interviews, quotes, story ideas, recipes, photos, etc. You can find a searchable databaseof member restaurants on our website. What are some tips for chefs who want to run a more sustainable kitchen? 1. Keep educating yourself on food issues– information changesall the time 2. Know where your food is coming from – build direct relationships with farmers, fishermen and other suppliers. 3. Be flexible and creative – try new, sustainably sourced ingredients and those off the beaten path. 4. Embrace seasonality – Cook foods when they are in season. They’re more sustainable & tastier! How can consumers support sustainable food? •
Support your local farmer’s market. Usually the farmer will be on hand and can let you know the best way to prepare their ingredients.
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Eat what’s in season! Try to eat what’s available in your community at that time. You’ll be amazed at the quality and freshnessof the product and will probably save money as the item is abundant.
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Dine at Chefs Collaborative member restaurants (check local member search on www.chefscollaborative.org).
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Be a conscientious eater! Don’t be afraid to ask questions about where your food comes from and how it was sourced.
How does Chefs Collaborative define sustainable food? •
The UN’s definition of sustainability is a good place to start: “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111* 617-236-5200 * ChefsCollaborative.org