An Interview With Martita Mestey
…Find your tribe: You can’t do everything alone. Surround yourself with supportive people who share your vision…
As a part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Karen Nochimowski.
Karen Nochimowski is the author of the newly released cookbook 6-Minute Dinners (& More!) and the founder of the popular cooking blog, MommaChef.com. Karen also started and runs Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen and Momma Chef’s Little Free Pantries in Chicago, which provide food at no cost to those in need. Karen’s work and recipes have been featured on Live with Kelly and Ryan, WGN, FOX, NBC, CBS and ABC as well as in dozens of publications, including HuffPost, Working Mother, Costco Connection, TODAY Parents, Chicago Tribune; Karen is also the e monthly food columnist for The Daily Herald.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in a home where empathy and kindness were core values, thanks to my parents. We followed a very important Jewish proverb called Tikkun Olam; it’s a concept that refers to actions intended to improve and repair the world. I was always encouraged to find ways to give back to the community. These early lessons in generosity shaped my passion for helping others, which I’ve passed on to my own children.
You are currently leading a social impact organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
Through Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen and Little Free Pantries, I’m working to combat food insecurity in Chicago. We provide hot meals and 24/7 access to non-perishable food for individuals and families who might otherwise struggle to find nutritious food. Since opening, my soup kitchen has provided over 30,000 homemade 5-course meals, and my outdoor pantry movement around Chicago has distributed more than 20,000 pounds of non-perishable food. What makes my work particularly impactful is that about 80% of the food we serve is donated, with local grocery stores saving nearly expired items for me instead of discarding them. With the help of friends who pick up and store these donations, we’ve prevented over 30,000 pounds of meat and 20,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables from going to waste while feeding those in need. Food waste is massive, and I believe that by redirecting almost-expired food from grocery stores and leveraging donations, we can make a significant impact on hunger while also reducing waste.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
In 2018, I was already enjoying success with my cooking blog, MommaChef.com, but I still felt something was missing. One night, at 3 A.M., it hit me — I needed to extend my table to feed people facing food insecurity. I realized that the joy I found in cooking could be transformed into a force for good, providing meals to those in need. That epiphany led me to open Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
Yes, my “Aha Moment” came in the middle of the night, when I realized I had more to give. I could envision a space where we could serve meals to under-resourced families, creating not only nourishment but a sense of community. From that moment, I was determined to make it happen, and within a few months, I launched Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen. I’d like to encourage the readers of this article that if there is something you believe in, a cause that keeps tapping your shoulder, please believe in you! Yes, one person truly can make a difference! When I came up with the idea to open up a soup kitchen and provide hot meals to those in need (whatever their circumstances) it sounded almost impossible. I pulled energy (both physically and mentally) from within, came up with a plan, found a soup kitchen site and went for it! I, along with my Volunteer Coordinator who helps fill those greatly appreciated over 300 spaces each year, have been making a difference in the lives of people one meal at time!
Many people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
First, I reached out to local organizations and individuals for support, and I quickly found a community that was willing to donate and volunteer time. I was very fortunate that a local Synagogue offered me to use their entire space and kitchen to hold the Soup Kitchen. I then enlisted the help of a friend who came on as my volunteer coordinator, she helps to run the Soup Kitchen. I also worked with grocery stores to divert almost-expired food to the soup kitchen. I focused on keeping the operation simple but impactful by offering hot meals and accessible pantries.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
One of the most exciting moments was when I was invited to be featured on Live with Kelly and Ryan. Initially, I thought the email was spam, but it was real! The show was honoring Random Acts of Kindness Day, and I had the opportunity to share my work. They even surprised me with a $5,000 donation to the soup kitchen!
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
My mom has been my greatest mentor. She instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and consistently sought ways to improve the world around us. Her approach to life has significantly influenced how I conduct my work and raise my own children. Additionally, my husband has been my biggest cheerleader, offering unwavering support and encouragement as I pursued my passion for helping others. Their combined influence has been instrumental in guiding me to where I am today.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
- Promote food rescue programs: Encourage grocery stores and restaurants to partner with shelters and pantries to redistribute food that would otherwise be wasted.
- Incentivize volunteering: Businesses should prioritize service by offering paid time off for volunteering or organizing community service initiatives.
- Increase community awareness: Launch educational campaigns to raise awareness about food insecurity and the impact of food waste. By informing the public about the importance of reducing waste and supporting local food programs, we can build a more engaged and supportive community.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
A business that focuses on sustainability can build customer loyalty by aligning with values that matter to people. For example, grocery stores that donate nearly expired food build goodwill with their communities, and that positive reputation can translate into increased customer retention and brand strength.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Listen to that 3 A.M. voice: Trust your instincts; sometimes, your best ideas come when you least expect them.
- Keep your eyes open: There are always opportunities to help, even in small ways. Be aware of the needs around you.
- Find your tribe: You can’t do everything alone. Surround yourself with supportive people who share your vision.
- One person can make a difference: Don’t underestimate the power of your actions. Small efforts can grow into something much bigger.
- Give yourself grace: It’s okay to drop the ball sometimes. You don’t have to do it all perfectly.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
Making a positive impact is about more than just helping others — it gives your life a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When you give back, you’re not only changing the world; you’re also growing as a person.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite quote is “No one has ever become poor by giving” by Anne Frank. This quote resonates with me because it’s a reminder that generosity enriches both the giver and the receiver.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to have lunch with Jennifer Garner. She’s an incredible role model — balancing her career, parenting, and philanthropy while using her platform to inspire others to give back. I’d love to hear her insights and maybe even have her try some of my recipes from my cookbook!
How can our readers follow you online?
Readers can follow me on my blog at www.mommachef.com, where I share recipes and updates on my soup kitchen and Little Free Pantry movement. You can also order my cookbook, 6-Minute Dinners (and More!), with part of the proceeds supporting my food-insecurity projects.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Karen Nochimowski Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.