Kardea Brown shares how Meals on Wheels America is more than just food delivery, interview

Many people welcome Kardea Brown into their homes via her Food Network shows, like Delicious Miss Brown. That warm smile accompanies scrumptious recipes shared around the table. It is another example how food can make a connection. In partnership with Pepcid, Kardea helped raise awareness for the fight against food insecurity with Meals on Wheels America.

Ahead of the Chefs’ Tribute to Citymeals on Wheels fundraiser, Kardea spoke to FoodSided regarding the event, why Meals on Wheels America has special meaning to her, and how others can help the cause. While many celebrity chefs gathered to serve scrumptious plates at the event, the charity and its cause deserved top billing.

For Kardea, she has a personal connection that makes her appreciate the good work that Meals on Wheels does. She said, “I have an elderly grandparent who doesn’t live too far from me, but far enough that I’m not able to get to her every day. She does not really feel comfortable driving as much and getting to the supermarket is not always easy. It is important to have charities like Meals on Wheels, who can help in those situations.”

While food insecurity is not a new issue, the face of that plight crosses a multitude of demographics. Although people can easily appreciate the school aged child who may not get subsidized lunch during summer break, the elderly are not seen as often. From lack of transportation to other barriers, delivering them food is imperative for both mental and physical health.

As Kardea explained, that knock at the door is more than just a food delivery. She said, “it means the world to them because it is a way to speak to another person. To have someone come to them, bring them a meal is nourishing on many levels. It is not only saying that I love you, I care about you, but I hear and see you. That human to human interaction is needed.”

Kardea partnered with Pepcid, who is supporting Meals on Wheels America through their $50,000 sponsorship to support the fight against food insecurity and aid in their efforts to empower local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the communities they serve.

During a special event in New York City, Chefs’ Tribute to Citymeals on Wheels, several chefs joined forces to highlight the cause and raise funds for the organization. Kardea was excited to see some of her fellow Food Network chefs, like Alex Guarnaschelli.

Given that Kardea has a platform, she appreciates that it allows her to bring these issues to the table. As she mentioned, “there are serious issues that need to be addressed. I believe that these messages are heard and the conversation is started. There are thousands of people who may not have access to the type of foods that I’m making. But, this platform allows me to encourage people talk about the changes that can be made.”

Since Kardea has a background in social work, she appreciates that the world is continually evolving. While she said that years ago her efforts were “grass roots, going door to door,” today’s situation is different. With social media, “people are constantly listening and very impressionable.” Now, conversations can be had in meaningful ways.

From partnering with Pepcid to gathering with colleagues, bringing awareness to a cause is the first step. After that, people can choose to foster positive change, both in big and small ways.

While Kardea’s partnership with Pepcid and their support of Meals on Wheels can be the ripple to make waves of change, she has many additional activities on her plate. With new episodes of Delicious Miss Brown set to film shortly, Food Network fans will be able to satisfy their cravings for those impeccable recipes.

Since Kardea often brings her family to the table on her Food Network shows, it could be stand as a reminder that food is often more flavorful when shared with others. Food is her love language, and it can be a way to make a difference in someone else’s life. Maybe it could be an opportunity to bring a meal to an elderly friend down the street or help a neighbor in need.

Food insecurity does not have an age limit. The power of connection through food nourishes the body, mind and soul.