Ringing in 2025 with Hope, Healing, and the Heartfelt Support of a Caring Community
Welcome to 2025! At Culinary Care, we’re thrilled to kick off a brand-new year filled with promise, hope, and more opportunities to deliver nourishment where it’s needed most. As we enter our 12th year, we want to share a little about who we are, why we do what we do, and how each of you has helped make a world of difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Our journey began with a simple but powerful idea: that every cancer patient should have access to nourishing, delicious meals during treatment.
With your help, this idea has blossomed into a community that’s provided over 40,000 free meals to people who needed hope in the middle of a difficult day. Today, this loving network is improving cancer recovery outcomes more than ever before—and we’re bringing that momentum into 2025! Thank you for being part of our family and for showing up every day with warmth, generosity, and compassion.
Let’s dive into what we’re accomplishing together, the joy we’re spreading, and the lives we’re impacting one meal at a time.
Patients Would Be Skipping Lunch if It Weren’t for You
Picture this: a day spent in a hospital for cancer treatment—physically exhausting and emotionally draining. And then on top of that, most hospitals don’t provide meal services for outpatient care, which means that many patients and their caregivers would be skipping lunch altogether if it weren’t for Culinary Care.
But because of you, patients know they’ll have something warm, delicious, and comforting to eat, delivered right when they need it most. For many, our meals are something to look forward to—a bright spot in a tough day.
“I actually look forward to chemotherapy now! I smile and feel happy when I see you arrive with my meal!” ~ Elise
One simple, thoughtfully prepared meal can bring so much comfort and joy to someone’s day.
Re-Igniting the Joy of Food, One Bite at a Time
Fighting cancer strips away the joy of food, and mealtime often takes a backseat. Between physical symptoms, nausea, and stress, many patients lose their appetite, making it challenging to get the nutrients they need. But the chef-prepared meals we deliver bring a spark of joy back to mealtime, surprising patients with flavors, smells, and the beautiful presentation of food that reminds them of the pleasures of eating.
“Chemo usually takes my appetite. Today, I didn’t have an appetite until my sister removed the lid and I smelled my meal! To everyone’s surprise, I ate 95% of it. It was delicious! THANK YOU!” ~ Cherryse
This is what it’s all about—bringing patients back to the small, comforting joys that make each day a little brighter.
What You Give is So Much More than a Meal
Your support is not just helping to fill a plate. You’re giving patients a sense of love, connection, and care that reaches far beyond the food itself. From birthday surprises to handwritten notes, your generosity reminds each patient that there’s a community cheering them on, no matter how tough the journey may be.
“Culinary Care made sure I didn’t feel forgotten on my birthday! They brought me a gift bag with chips, candy, and even some handmade birthday cards! It was incredible—it made my whole day. I still have those cards!” ~ Terrell
For patients like Terrell, these moments are more than just kind gestures—they’re reminders that people care, that they’re not alone, and that they’re surrounded by warmth and support.
Surviving Cancer is About More Than Medicine
Did you know that malnutrition is responsible for about 20% of cancer-related deaths? (National Institutes of Health)
But that having a solid support system can actually reduce the risk of mortality by up to 25% for cancer patients? (JMIR Cancer)
The work we’re doing is not just a kind gesture; it’s essential for helping people survive.
“I’ve never received such nurturing in my entire life. Without you, there would be no me.” ~ Rhonda
Her words speak to the power of a simple meal, of community, and of support when it’s needed most.
Your Generosity Makes Hope Possible
Your generosity was the secret ingredient that made the past year brighter for hundreds of families battling cancer. Together, we created a community of support, delivering not only food but also comfort, hope, and love.
But it’s more than just filling plates; it’s about creating a recipe for change. Your kindness has set the stage for a new year filled with impact. As we look ahead, we see a future of hope, fueled by your commitment to providing nourishment and support to those those navigating a cancer diagnosis.
On behalf of our team at Culinary Care, we wish you a year ahead filled with love, warmth, and the joy that comes from making a difference in the lives of others!
If you’re not yet a member of The Line, our monthly giving community, consider a resolution that truly makes a positive impact. Your monthly contribution, starting this January, regardless of the amount, will help fill plates with good food and hearts with hope. And we think that’s a pretty great way to kick off 2025! ;)
