Food justice is probably something you don’t often think about, but 1:1 (One to One), a Brooklyn-based nonprofit does. Full time. And now, the café @ Cornell Tech opens up with them, every Wednesday.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
When I made the short walk to Cornell Tech for lunch at the café, my mission was finding out about 1:1 and its food justice mission. But I also wanted to know if the food was good.
The café, managed by Constellation Culinary, offers the most creative and delicious menus around, from flat bread pizzas to field greens. They must keep up, food-wise, with the tech campus of the future, but how would that fit with social justice?
Food Justice with 1:1
“In our food justice work, we emphasize building locally and long term, for consistency in care and maximum impact — we always aim to go a mile deep and an inch wide, not the other way around.”
About 1:1
Why not start at the top?
I discovered 1:1’s founder Tadesh Inagaki manning the counter.
What the FIG?
How it works.
“We invest 100% of our profits to support community-based, people-centered food justice work — in part through co-operation of our sibling FIG Food Security Program, which delivers fresh produce and weekly groceries to New Yorkers on the frontlines of fighting food apartheid.”
That’s what’s behind what’s behind the counter as 1:1 fans out with nutritious pop ups across New York City.
As for FIG: “We envision a food future for all people where equity, sustainability, and community control are baked into the recipe — from New York City to the Hudson Valley, from Puerto Rico to Palestine.”
Revenue from 1:1’s pop ups, like the one at Cornell Tech’s café, fuels a network devoted to food justice.
But what about the food…?
In the abstract, it’s easy loving 1:1’s mission and the café’s partnership, but really, I wanted something great to eat.
I asked Tadesh Inagaki for something creative. He looked puzzled at my inability for pulling together my own options. But, of course, he was unaware of my wife’s rescuing me from a lifetime of Texas Hots for dinner and peanut butter and jelly for lunch. Mix in a mac and cheese along the way.
Finally, he sensed my need for help overcoming food ignorance and swirled together a tasty mix of noodles, greens and spices.
I loved it, and I love what they’re doing for making a better world. And hats off! to Cornell Tech and Constellation Culinary, too.
Be part of that partnership on Wednesdays, starting at 11:00 a.m.
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A Job With a Predictable Ending
The role looks stable from the outside. A President and CEO is appointed. A contract is approved. A salary is set.
It’s not clear from your article, but is there a different menu on Wednesday because 1:1 mans the Cafe during that day? If so, are you able to let us know what’s on the different menu and if the menu lasts until closing that day? Thanks!
The specifics are not available at the time I post it, but you’re right. I’ll see what I can do to get some clarity and detail.
Thanks.