About Us

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

In 2016, Washington State welcomed more than 3,200 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, Burma, Somalia, Bhutan and Iraq 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 21.2% in 2015. Furthermore, Kent is the tenth most diverse city 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 envision food as a catalyst for bringing refugees, immigrants and the broader community together to celebrate our diversity.

Our Mission

To help refugees and immigrants transform their lives by providing pathways to sustainable employment in the food industry, and to enrich communities through intercultural exchange.

Our Values

Community Driven

Project Feast participants and alumni help shape our future. We create space for refugee and immigrant community to take ownership of our programs and strategic vision.

Solution Oriented

We work together to overcome challenges and maintain a positive outlook. We strive to bounce back from adversity.

Do Our Best

We do our best and expect the same of other team members, participants, board, volunteers and partners.

Sustainability

We strive to achieve a healthy balance between social, financial, and environmental sustainability.