Our Philosophy
At Project Feast, food brings people together, transforms lives, and fosters mutual understandings across diverse cultures. Our work demonstrates the remarkable power of food to nourish more than just the body. We believe that immigrants and refugees possess incomparable wisdom, skills and knowledge to contribute to our communities.
While refugees and immigrants find it a challenge to integrate into society, Project Feast’s work proves that these circumstances are not insurmountable. Not only do we empower amazing cooks from around the globe by equipping them with the hands-on vocational training to gain their footing in the food industry here in Seattle, we also connect them to opportunities to make a living and share their culinary heritage with the greater Seattle community, a place with hunger and passion for excellent food. We recognize that when we create spaces where we celebrate people’s diverse cuisines, we create spaces where diverse cultural heritage is preserved helping create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Why nonprofits like us exist
According to a report from the US Department of State, Washington is the 3rd largest refugee-receiving state in the nation. In 2023, Washington State welcomed more than 10,000 refugees. Many are escaping war, communal violence, natural disasters, poverty and other circumstances that make their home countries unlivable. The Greater Seattle area is among the largest destinations for refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Cuba, and Venezuela in the United States.
Over the past few years, King County has become more diverse. In 2000, 15.4% of the population was foreign born, increasing to just 24% in 2023. Furthermore, Kent has historically ranked as one of the top 10 most diverse cities in the United States. Too often our immigrant and refugee communities feel marginalized as opportunities to prosper remain out of reach. As a result, an alarming number of new immigrants and refugees from these countries suffer higher levels of under employment and earn far less than their native-born counterparts, making it a challenge to support their families.
Our Vision
We aspire to create a future where immigrants and refugees possess the skills necessary for a fulfilling and prosperous career in the dynamic world of culinary arts. We embrace diversity as a powerful tool, empowering individuals to unlock their hidden potential, gain confidence, and cultivate success.
Our Mission
We cultivate a nurturing space for refugees and immigrants, while providing culinary training that equips them for careers or entrepreneurship in the food industry. We empower our students to share their diverse stories and cuisine, fostering intercultural exchange that enriches and unites our community.
Our Values
Community Centric Approach
We are committed to providing equal access and opportunities for all individuals and prioritize compassion, curiosity, cooperation, flexibility, and equity in supporting our community members. We actively engage with and uplift the immigrant and refugee community we serve, forging partnerships with other Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and employer partners who share our commitment to creating nurturing and supportive environments for our graduates.
Integrity and Accountability
We take pride in our work and uphold a standard of integrity, ensuring that our actions align with our mission and values. We hold ourselves and our students accountable, fostering an environment of trust and responsibility.
Empowerment and Confidence Building
We believe in the transformative power of food as a catalyst for empowerment, connecting our shared humanity.
Value and appreciation of Cultural Heritage
We believe that everyone has value, and immigrants and refugees bring valuable skills and knowledge to our community. We actively appreciate and celebrate cultural heritage as a fundamental part of our organizational identity.
