Chef David Hertz, a Jewish chef from Brazil, has spent his life focused on food, but not in the typical sense of culinary fame. His passion lies in leveraging food as a powerful tool to fight poverty and address social injustice. Growing up in a middle-class Jewish household, David's values were shaped by his community’s emphasis on mutual support. His journey led him to Israel in search of freedom and purpose. Through his travels, he discovered his deep passion for food, not just for its consumption but for its role in shaping communities and impacting systems of inequality.


David’s change-making initiative began out of a desire to alleviate the severe poverty and food insecurity he witnessed in Brazil. Returning home after completing his culinary training, David couldn't ignore the growing inequality in his country, where millions suffer from hunger, particularly in the favelas. In 2006, he founded Gastromotiva, a cooking school that trains underprivileged Brazilians in the culinary arts, giving them a sustainable path out of poverty. His mission wasn’t just about teaching people to cook; it was about equipping them with skills that would enable them to rebuild their lives and communities. David’s “social gastronomy” approach addresses hunger and significant societal issues like inequality, human rights, and climate change. His movement has expanded into a global network that spans over 70 countries.


The impact of David’s work is both measurable and inspirational. Gastromotiva has trained over 9,000 students, with an impressive 70-80% finding employment in the food industry. These individuals are not just earning a living—they are creating businesses, employing others, and revitalizing their communities. One standout success is an indigenous woman who became a food scientist and chef, now working to promote sustainable tourism through indigenous cuisine. The ripple effect of Gastromotiva’s graduates is a testament to David’s belief in empowering people to take back their freedom and power through food. It’s this kind of investment in individuals that has sparked real change in communities across Brazil and beyond.


David’s initiatives continue transforming lives, including his innovative response to the pandemic. When COVID-19 struck, and poverty levels surged, David launched Solidarity Kitchens. These communal kitchens allowed chefs to use their own spaces to prepare free meals for the most vulnerable in Brazil. In a matter of months, 130 Solidarity Kitchens were operational, providing over 1,500 free meals per month across nine states. This model has breathed new life into communities while upholding human dignity. Gastromotiva’s restaurant, Refettorio Gastromotiva, serves as a shining example—providing the same meals to all, whether they can afford to pay or not, fostering a sense of community and equality.


David Hertz’s work shows that food, combined with compassion and purpose, can create lasting change. Through his vision, he has fed the hungry and inspired countless others to take action, proving that one person’s passion can transform the world.


Are you looking to make a change like this in your community? Here are ten practical and inspiring ways that anyone, regardless of status or financial means, can bring change to their community, inspired by Chef David Hertz's work:

1. Share Leftovers- Next time you cook, make a little extra and give it to someone who might need it—a neighbor, friend, or a homeless person. Even a simple meal can brighten someone’s day.

2. Offer Help for Free-Teach or help someone with something you’re good at—like fixing a broken item, helping kids with schoolwork, or teaching an essential skill like sewing. You don’t need money, just time and a willingness to help.

3. Organize a Swap Event- Gather people in your community to exchange things they no longer need—clothes, books, toys, etc. Everyone gets something useful, and no money is required.

4. Grow a Plant to Share- Use empty containers like bottles or cans to grow simple plants or herbs. Share your extra plants with neighbors or friends, encouraging everyone to grow their own food.

5. Collect Unused Food-Ask local stores or bakeries if they have food they’re about to throw away. Collect it and distribute it to those who need it. It’s food that would have been wasted and can now help someone.

6. Start a Potluck-Host a casual get-together where everyone brings whatever they can—no matter how small. The focus is on sharing and enjoying time together, not on how much anyone brings.

7. Recycle for the Community-Encourage neighbors to collect recyclables like bottles or cans. Take them to a recycling center and use any funds earned to support a local cause or help keep the area clean.

8. Trade Skills-Swap your skills with neighbors. For example, if you’re good at repairs, offer to fix something for a neighbor in exchange for something they can do, like babysitting or cooking a meal.

9. Host Gatherings-Create a space for people to come together. It could be as simple as organizing a neighborhood walk, a game night, or a discussion group. No money is needed—just a welcoming attitude.

10. Give Your Time-Volunteer at a local shelter, help clean up your local park, or offer to run errands for someone who needs it. Giving your time is one of the most valuable things you can do, and it doesn’t cost anything.


These steps prove that change doesn’t require wealth—just willingness, creativity, and a heart for your community. Everyone has the potential to be a changemaker!


Photo Credit: Amar Preciado on Pexels.