About Us
Culinary Care's mission is to make nourishment an essential part of cancer care by delivering free restaurant-prepared meals and fostering community support.
We envision a world where every cancer patient can look forward to their next meal, savor precious moments with their loved ones, and find strength in knowing that they are not alone. Through the generosity of our supporters, we are not just delivering meals—we are delivering hope, one plate at a time.
Nourishing Community
Research shows that having high levels of perceived social support is associated with a decrease in relative risk for mortality of 25%.
Nourishing Strength
1 in 5 cancer deaths each year is a direct consequence of malnutrition, not the cancer itself. That’s 125,000 people each year.
Nourishing Hope
We know hope can be a major tool of empowerment, an element for sustaining the will to live, and guiding us through the darkest of times.
OUR STORY
In 2006, my dad was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer during my junior year of high school. Despite being given 5 months to 5 years to live, he passed away just seven months later. Amidst this tough time, friends and family provided meals, relieving us of worry and allowing us to cherish every moment with my dad. Their compassion deeply impacted me, inspiring me to start Culinary Care seven years later. Though I can't share another meal with my dad, I'm determined to provide that opportunity to others through Culinary Care—it's my way of expressing love.
Next Stop: Dallas!
2023 marked our first decade, nourishing 4,000 recoveries in Chicago. Recognizing the growing need, we aim to expand to five new cities over the next five years, striving to ensure everyone facing cancer can access life's essentials in our lifetime. We’d love to have you on this journey with us!
Board of Directors
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Courtney Johnson, Founder
Courtney founded Culinary Care in 2013 and continues to lead the organization today. She’s a Crain’s Chicago 20 in their 20’s, Tyson Foods Meals That Matter Hero, and mom. Food is her love language.
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Adam Johnson
Adam has been instrumental in taking Culinary Care from idea to the organization we are today. His entrepreneurial background and ongoing commitment continue to drive our growth.
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Maureen Lesak Flener
Maureen is a Managing Director at Bank of America. With a personal cancer journey shaping her perspective, Maureen brings invaluable insight into the challenges faced by patients and families.
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Jennifer Bell
As the CMO of Lettuce Entertain You, Jennifer brings her wealth of restaurant industry experience and marketing prowess to our team. Her innovative strategies and genuine care enrich our mission.
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Matt Hellmuth
Matt brings extensive financial expertise as the former CFO of IG Group North America. His strategic insights and dedication to excellence enhance our board's effectiveness in guiding our organization forward.
