Mission & Vision
Dignified food access for all
Connected Chef is an organization of cooks and restaurant workers on a mission…
To build a community-controlled food system that ensures every Queens’ household has consistent access to local, nutritious food; provides healthy eating education; and pathways to financial agency.
We work toward this mission with Lifeline Groceries and our sliding scale Urban Farm Stand programming. Through these efforts, Connected Chef delivers fresh, nutrient dense, culturally appropriate groceries, while supporting local farms and businesses, creating job opportunities and building community power.
Our Values
Connected Chef believes that all communities have the ability to create systems that uplift and equalize all of its members through the lenses of food, racial, environmental, labor, and housing justice.
The heart of our work lies in our grocery distribution where community members are able to receive the same quantity of groceries regardless of payment.
Lifeline Groceries is the beginning of addressing the immediate needs of our food insecure neighbors, while supporting local farmers and climate centered initiatives.
Connected Chefs
Core Organizing Team
Kim Calichio: Co-Founder, Development Director
Omar Bravo-Pavia: Co-Founder, Operations Director
Liz Alvarez: Programs Director
Valentin Islas: Assistant Operations Manager
Karina Vasquez: Communications & Outreach
Liz Rosario-Brady: Food Justice Educator
Volunteer Coordinator
Rebecca Light-Forlenza
Packing Team
Simitrio Bravo
Alfonso Martinez
Driving Team
Neil Soto
Calvin Leong
Where to find us
Our operations and community center is located at:
49-09 5th Street, Long Island City
There you will find our Urban Farm Stand, community garden, volunteer opportunities, and seasonal classes.
Urban Farm Stand Hours
LIC LOT
Thursday - Friday, 2 - 5 pm
Saturday, 11 - 3 pm (Spring-Fall)
QUEENSBRIDGE (paused for Winter)
Thursday 3 - 5 pm*
SNAP benefits accepted at both Urban Farm Stand Locations.
We have also created Lifeline community hubs in multiple neighborhoods. These community hubs are open weekly to pick up Lifeline Groceries:
The Connected Chef Lot, 49-09 5th Street, LIC, NY 11101: Thursday, 2-5pm
PS17/Q300 (for faculty, employees and student families) 28-37 29th Street, LIC, NY 11102: Wednesday, 2-2:30pm
Queensbridge, In front of the Jacob Riis Community Center, 10-25 41st Ave, LIC, NY 11101: Thursday, 3-5pm
PS14Q, 107-01 Otis Ave, Corona, NY 11368: Wednesday, 2-3pm
Seed + Oil, 49-20 Skillman Ave, Woodside, NY 11377 - Wednesday, 4- 8pm
Programs
Lifeline Groceries
Urban Farm Stand
Education
Press
Financial reports
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View 2024 Annual Report (ENGLISH)
Annual report of 2024 achievements, as well as a highlight of 2025 goals.
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View 2023 Annual Report (English)
Annual report of 2022 achievements & learning, as well as 2023 goals & strategy.
Ver 2023 Annual Report (Spanish)
Informe anual de logros y aprendizaje de 2022, así como objetivos y estrategia de 2023.
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Focus Report outlining goals & financial needs for FY2023
Informe Focus que describe los objetivos y las necesidades financieras para el año fiscal 2023
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Financial Review by independent CPA & FY2023 990 filed with IRS.
Revisión financiera por CPA independiente y FY2023 990 presentado ante el IRS.
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Financial Review by independent CPA & FY2022 990 filed with IRS.
Revisión financiera por CPA independiente y FY2022 990 presentado ante el IRS.
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Financial Review by independent CPA & FY2021 990 filed with IRS.
Revisión financiera por CPA independiente y FY2021 990 presentado ante el IRS.
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