Driving social change through culinary entrepreneurship
About Melting Pot Foundation
Driving social change through culinary entrepreneurship
Melting Pot Foundation was founded in 2011 by Danish culinary entrepreneur, author and activist, Claus Meyer, who believed his professional experience in the culinary world could b applied to a philanthropic framework.
His vision was as clear then as it is today: to drive social change through culinary entrepreneurship, both locally and globally, in countries as diverse as Denmark, Bolivia, the USA and Morocco.
Melting Pot Foundation’s goal is to leverage hospitality as a tool that brings benefits, and joy, to the greatest possible number of people possible through our Food and Culinary Centers and an agile mix of programs designed to serve the communities they are in.
We solve tasks cost-effectively and with optimal impact by drawing on expertise, know-how and resources within our own networks, as well as those of non-profit organizations with similar values to our own.
Melting Pot Foundation is a registered independent and nonprofit foundation with an independent board of directors.
Our mission is to bring about sustainable social change through food-based initiatives
Our mission
We believe this will lead to healthier individuals, stronger communities, increased employment opportunities and the empowerment of young people all over the world as a recurring outcome.
At the heart of this is our belief in unconditional hospitality – the idea that as individuals and organizations we have a responsibility to care for others and the world around us, in order to nurture a future where everyone has a chance to thrive.
A philosophy built on two fundamental principles
1 ) Sharing delicious, locally grown, seasonal food within your community is an act of kindness. It tells people you care. We believe this simple act can be harnessed as a powerful tool for unlocking significant social, cultural, economic and environmental change.
2 ) Every person has the potential to contribute to these changes in both small and big ways. Even seemingly insignificant acts can generate hope for others, ensuring nobody gets left behind.
Our beliefs
Innate generosity is the essence of unconditional hospitality
One of the great qualities of hospitality is the art of giving back. It is why many people enter the business in the first place. As such, we believe that the table is an incredible place to meet. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together as equals, often able to look past the things that separate us in other contexts.
We will never turn our backs on those less fortunate than ourselves, because serving the community around us will always be central to what we do. Rather, we keep on asking: how can we be of service?
The food industry is brimming with hidden potential
The potential to build a thriving future in food lies within anyone willing to take the chance. Our commitment is to identify and unlock the hidden potential within individuals regardless of their race, gender, educational background or current situation.
A journey in or around the kitchen is a road that can potentially lead to countless opportunities, from entry-level kitchen work to heading a dining room, founding a hotel or starting a restaurant.
But that’s not all. Regardless of who you are, where you are now, and what others may think you can do, the teamwork and camaraderie that comes from working together in and around the kitchen is a means to find out where you are going. It may not always be the end goal. But it could be the stepping-stone to something else – to something unexpected – and that is just as valuable.
Deliciousness is a catalyst for transformation
Through cooking and sharing delicious food, we’ve witnessed its profound impact on individuals, society and the world at large, innumerable times. Food is a universal language that binds us together. It possesses a unique ability to rekindle forgotten memories, evoke heartfelt emotions and foster connections between the most unlikely of companions. So, whether dishes are simple or sophisticated, what counts is their heartfelt preparation. Our mission is to unlock the transformative power of deliciousness, creating a more joyful and interconnected world in the process.
Together we can heal our food systems
Food is never simply just fuel. Rather, it’s a powerful embodiment of culture that shapes the health of our planet and communities. Unfortunately, however, we find ourselves living in a time of immense challenges – from issues of unsustainability and poor health outcomes, to inequality and injustice.
Addressing these concerns has become the foundation upon which our Food and Culinary Centers and programs are built, both in grand endeavorsand small actions. Why? Because just as food systems pose a significant problem today, they also have the potential to become part of the solution tomorrow.
Anyone can become a citizen of the world
Our vision extends beyond teaching culinary skills, to empowering students to be responsible global citizens who are deeply connected to their community and the world. Success, both in the kitchen and within Melting Pot Foundation ventures, demands personal growth. It hinges on developing qualities such as a desire for continuous learning, compassion and kindness, in order to foster a culture of equality, collaboration and mutual respect. Our shared aspiration is to learn from each other – students and teachers alike – and evolve together through this enriching process.
Our method
Driving social change through culinary entrepreneurship
Melting Pot Foundation is currently present across four different continents: North America, South America, Europe and the MENA regions. In this vast and diverse landscape, the food and hospitality sectors stand as powerful engines for growth. However, we’re acutely aware that this potential growth also carries with it potential risks, challenging for the climate and biodiversity.
As such, the vision for our Food and Culinary Centers extends beyond mere knowledge transfer and skill-building. Rather, it aims to drive a transformative, positive change by harnessing the full economic, cultural, social and environmental potential of the region’s food culture.
Planning for impactful beginnings
When collaborating with external donors, we understand that decisions made around the choice of our endeavors might not solely be our own. Nevertheless, experience has taught us how to tailor-make support structures according to regional and cultural demands. Before venturing into any new educational projects or revenue-generating ventures, our meticulous research delves into the culinary history, national/regional identity, geographical nuances, macroeconomic indicators and existing strengths and weaknesses of local food cultures. By positioning ourselves as a benign yet dynamic institution, we prioritize engagement with the people we seek to empower, recognizing that the best solutions are most often found through listening to their voices and insights.
Building a foundation for change
Providing underprivileged communities with access to world-class resources holds immense promise. But without trust even the most brilliant ideas may crumble. Transparency, accessibility, patience, generosity and a nurturing approach are vital and we believe can only be achieved by inviting relevant partners to co-create this path towards change
with us. Facilitating open-source idea exchanges, fostering crucial relationships and inspiring collaborations are all part of our efforts to empower communities to shape their own destiny.
Empowering excellence through collaborative learning
Central to our mission is the belief in drawing wisdom from the best. By fostering a collaborative approach to training and nurturing a strong team spirit, we impart essential values to our partners and students. Beyond skill development, we also forge genuine connections on a human level, cultivating an environment of trust and openness to provide a lifelong support system for our alumni. At Melting Pot Foundation every idea finds a home and diverse voices are encouraged even in disagreement. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure no one gets left behind on their path to success.
Embracing unconditional hospitality
In the pursuit of change we extend unconditional hospitality to all – partners, colleagues, students, alumni, families, chefs hiring our graduates, suppliers, donors and the communities we serve. But to embed our collaborations long-term we must also engage government, civil society, culinary professionals, educational institutions, researchers, journalists and perhaps even influential figures in sports, music and fashion. We believe we can help shape a more inclusive future by working together.
Leaving a legacy
Successfully building an organization that transfers knowledge, enhances capabilities, fosters collaborative strategies, forges global partnerships and maintains lasting connections is not a quick or easy goal. With that in mind we are ready to restructure our presence, or even dissolve the organization, when the time comes. We understand that investment-to-impact ratios may shift, meaning that we need to redeploy resources for greater efficacy elsewhere. We have processes in place to ensure we have the agility and flexibility to do so.