Interview Credit: Isabella Ntigbu, 2023-2024 Pennsylvania Center for Healthcare Justice Medical Student Fellow/University of Pennsylvania Medical Student
Ben Miller, a native of West Philadelphia's Cobbs Creek neighborhood, is a chef, farmer, and activist who runs the acclaimed taqueria South Philadelphia Barbacoa and a free community that has served more than 300,000 people. He is also the co-founder of the central kitchen, People's Kitchen. Free meals since the start of the pandemic. Ben has a unique perspective on food and believes that food can serve as a platform for integrating art, philosophy, culture, community, and the natural world. It is this overarching vision that drives him to passionately embrace the culinary arts as his professional calling.
Since its inception, The People's Kitchen has served as a living example of the value of food creation and its impact on various aspects of the human condition. In 2021, Ben used the momentum from his kitchen to establish a community farm at the intersection of his 61st and Reinhardt streets, close to his residence. This initiative transforms vacant land into spaces of growth and beauty, allowing communities to grow food, educate about diverse plants, and strengthen culinary practices. The evolution of this farm continued when he installed his hoop house in 2023, creating a resilient sanctuary for plants to grow, protected from the elements. The space is set to undergo further transformation with a grant project inviting renowned illustrator and animator Gabriel Patterson to lead a creative beautification initiative. Peoples looks forward to the future of his kitchen with upcoming artistic and culinary events, culminating this year with a community harvest festival in the fall. This closing reception will feature the final unveiling of the new and improved hoop house completed by Gabriel and community members, and the evening will conclude with mouth-watering dishes created by the kitchen's talented culinary artists. For those interested in the work of The People's Kitchen, volunteer opportunities are available on the organization's website (listed below).
Miller, the recipient of the 2023 Deeply Rooted Community Green Grant award, recognizes the need for Deeply Rooted in the Cobbs Creek community. He says:[the Community Green Grant] We helped develop and beautify the land, grow food for the community, and supported the work of a community kitchen in South Philadelphia. The kitchen, along with students and community volunteers, creates hundreds of meals a week using rescued food from local pantries and wholesalers, donations, and food from farms. Community Green Grants empower and sustain projects like this that promote the health and well-being of Philadelphia neighborhoods. UPenn and the community leaders involved in the Deeply Rooted Community Green project promote a healthy vision of community and nature and empower projects like People's Kitchen to carry out their efforts. ”
His statement highlights the transformative impact of the grant, which provides the financial support needed to promote community health, and highlights the vital role Deeply Rooted plays in the Cobbs Creek community.
We are proud of the many accomplishments Ben Miller and The People's Kitchen have accomplished in Cobbs Creek and the greater Philadelphia community, and look forward to what the future holds for this pioneering organization. looking forward to it.
Get in touch with The People's Kitchen:
Instagram: @Peopleskitchenphilly
Email: peopleskitchenphilly@gmail.com
Website: www.peopleskitchenphilly.com
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