In Philadelphia, food is more than a meal. It is culture, community, and connection. At 12th Street Catering, we believe that good food has the power to open doors and strengthen neighborhoods. That belief is what drives our 12th Street for Good initiative, a series of community partnerships and programs that reflect our commitment to supporting the people and places we serve.
One of the most meaningful collaborations behind this effort is our partnership with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization. Their mission, ending hunger for good, aligns closely with our values. Together, we are working to build long-term solutions through culinary training, workforce development, and access to fresh, nutritious food.
Today, we are proud to share how this partnership has grown, the lives it has touched, and why it matters to the future of Philadelphia’s food system.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
Our relationship with Philabundance started with a simple question: How can 12th Street Catering use our resources, experience, and kitchens to create real impact?
The answer came through Philabundance’s community development programs, which empower individuals facing barriers to employment by providing hands-on culinary skills and pathways to stable jobs.
As a working catering company with a high-volume commissary kitchen and an experienced culinary team, we knew we could offer something valuable. Participants would receive practical training, real-world exposure, and guidance from professionals who work in the industry every day.
Over time, this collaboration has grown into a deep and ongoing partnership that continues to help people build skills, confidence, and careers in Philadelphia’s food industry.
Today, 12th Street Catering is recognized as a Philabundance Community Kitchen Partner, a distinction we are honored to hold.
Culinary Training That Leads to Opportunity
One of the core elements of our partnership is providing in-person culinary training at our University City commissary kitchen. Participants from Philabundance’s programs work directly alongside our chefs and production teams. They learn not only culinary techniques but also the pace, precision, and collaboration required in a working kitchen environment.
Since the start of this partnership, we have trained approximately fifteen individuals, giving them experience in:
• Knife skills
• Food safety and sanitation
• Ingredient preparation
• Catering-specific production techniques
• Team communication and workflow
• Time management in a busy kitchen
These trainees are not just observers. They participate in real food preparation for events, support our team during active production days, and gain exposure to the standards that define professional culinary environments.
For many, this training is the first step toward a career in food service. For others, it represents a new beginning or a second chance. No matter their path, the goal remains the same: create opportunity and help people build confidence and stability.
We are proud to share that two graduates of the Philabundance program have joined our team as employees. Their dedication and passion strengthen our kitchen every day.
Supporting Food Access With Fresh Harvest Donations
Our partnership with Philabundance extends beyond training and employment. In collaboration with Trellis for Tomorrow, our team receives sustainably grown produce from community-based agricultural programs. When additional harvest is available, 12th Street Catering donates these fresh fruits and vegetables directly to Philabundance.
These donations support food distribution efforts throughout the region and contribute to a more nutritious, equitable, and accessible food system.
For us, it is a full-circle moment. Food grown with care becomes food shared with purpose.
Why This Work Matters
Philadelphia faces some of the highest food insecurity rates among major cities. At the same time, the hospitality and food service industries continue to face staffing shortages and barriers to long-term retention.
Partnerships like the one between 12th Street Catering and Philabundance offer meaningful solutions by:
Strengthening the workforce
Real training and employment pathways help individuals build sustainable careers while supporting the growth of the culinary industry.
Increasing access to fresh food
Harvest donations contribute to Philabundance’s mission and expand access to nutritious produce for local families.
Creating long-term change
Culinary training helps break cycles of food insecurity by promoting economic mobility and stability.
Building community
Food connects people. This partnership strengthens relationships across our city and supports the neighborhoods we serve.
A Shared Commitment to Ending Hunger for Good
Philabundance plays an essential role in our region by feeding families, supporting economic advancement, and building a more resilient community. We are proud to work alongside them and to contribute in ways that align with our values and expertise.
Whether we are training new culinary professionals, hiring program graduates, or donating fresh produce, our goal is simple. We want to use our kitchens, our experience, and our resources to uplift others and support a healthier, more inclusive Philadelphia.
This is the heart of 12th Street for Good.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact Through 12th Street for Good
The 12th Street for Good initiative is ongoing and woven into every part of our business. From sustainability to workforce development to community partnerships, we are committed to investing in programs that support real change.
In the coming year, we aim to expand our culinary training opportunities, deepen our relationship with Philabundance, and explore additional ways to help build a more equitable food system.
When we invest in people, our entire community grows stronger.
Join Us in Supporting Philabundance
To learn more about Philabundance or to support their mission, we invite you to visit philabundance.org.
Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or help spread awareness, your involvement makes a meaningful difference.
At 12th Street Catering, we believe great food builds great communities.
Our partnership with Philabundance reflects that belief in action, and we are honored to share this story as part of our ongoing 12th Street for Good series.
