My Grandmother, she was the real cook in my family. She was so nurturing with the food and she cared about it which is what made her food so amazing. During the depression she had money because my grandparents had land, and my grandfather worked. At that time, she invited the homeless into her house to feed them. She was alone because my grandfather was on the road working, so she had no way to defend herself should someone threaten her. But her kindness to put food on the table allowed her to never get hurt.

I think it speaks a lot to food being an equalizer. It really brings us all together. If you’re just living on the fringe, to be pulled back into a table is huge. That’s why for thanksgiving or other holidays, I always cook for an extra person to come, and quite often it happens. And I like that. To be able to open it up to someone who needs that at that time in their life. To be able to take food to someone when they need it most is more than just giving them nourishment at that time. They need good food, but it’s really about them knowing that someone cares enough about them at that time in their lives to make them a meal.

Janet Rodger - Pastry Chef & Catering Chef