Nancy Vienneau for Nashville Lifestyles:
When Atlanta-based chef Ryan Hidinger was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012, the city responded with a deluge of aid. This inspired the formation of Giving Kitchen in 2013 to provide emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources. Those who have experienced injury, illness, housing disaster or death of a family member can receive funds to cover living expenses. The Giving Kitchen recently expanded to serve Tennessee. Ryan’s wife and GK co-founder Jen Hidinger-Kendrick serves as the Sr. Director of Community Engagement.