A Vision of Impact
What makes someone a Champion of Change? A heart to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing any form of human insecurity…and a compelling vision for just how to do that. A multi-dimensional, compelling vision of impact is needed. Such a vision is what we see through Robert Egger’s blog post on the mission and values of L.A. Kitchen where they live and work by the motto that “neither food nor people should ever go to waste”! You will see more posts from Robert in the next few months showing the backstory for such a vision – and the results achieved by a laser-focus on this vision.
A Vision of Multi-Dimensional Impact
By Robert Egger
Mission
L.A. Kitchen believes that neither food nor people should ever go to waste. By reclaiming healthy, local food that would otherwise be discarded, training men and women who are unemployed for jobs, and providing healthy meals to fellow citizens, L.A. Kitchen empowers, nourishes, and engages the community.
Values
L.A. Kitchen believes that:
1. Neither food nor people should ever go to waste. We recognize the potential of the community’s existing resources and are dedicated to revealing their power to nourish and uplift.
2. All people have potential, and every person has a role in strengthening the community. We will engage all volunteers, staff, and students in meaningful, impactful work.
3. Hunger isn’t about food. We will work to address the root causes of poverty, employing a variety of dynamic approaches to nourish the community.
4. Programs should empower individuals and inspire independence. We will only partner with organizations that share these values, providing them with nutritious meals to help achieve their mission, strengthen their clients, and uplift the community.
5. Our impact will not be measured in pounds moved or meals served. We will employ nuanced metrics to provoke deeper dialogue about food, hunger and poverty.
6. Wealth derived from the community should be reinvested locally. We use our resources to strengthen the local economy and invest in the future of our employees.
7. We will not apply shallow overhead practices. We will challenge status quo, providing all employees a living wage and opportunities to invest in their future retirement.
8. Investments should be made in both the present and the future. We will promote intergenerational programming that empowers all individuals, young and old alike.
9. Action should be paired with advocacy. We will use our resources to educate and promote policy ideas that elevate issues and mitigate future need.
10. Transparency is an essential part of improving programs. We will operate and make decisions in full view of the community we serve.
11. Smart solutions should be shared. We will be open-source, sharing our model and welcoming all visitors.
Robert Egger is the founder of D.C. Central Kitchen, L.A. Kitchen and other “impact” enterprises. He is a frequent speaker at TEDx conferences and has received numerous awards and designations including being named an “Oprah Angel”. Additionally, Robert’s impact enterprises have received numerous awards including the Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence recently bestowed upon L.A. Kitchen for Innovation in Intergenerational Solutions. Please read more about Champion of Change Robert Egger at www.robertegger.org/about/. You may find some of his talks under the Videos tab on the main ChangeU menu.