Robert Egger

Robert Egger is a prominent American nonprofit leader, author, speaker, and activist in the culinary field.1 He is best known for founding several innovative organizations that address food insecurity and provide culinary job training.

Key Accomplishments

DC Central Kitchen:: In 1989, Egger founded the DC Central Kitchen, a groundbreaking "community kitchen" that collects surplus food from hospitality businesses and farms to fuel a culinary arts job training program and provide meals to local service agencies.1 This organization has produced over 35 million meals and helped 1,500 individuals gain full-time employment since its inception.

L.A. Kitchen:: In 2013, Egger launched L.A. Kitchen in Los Angeles, a 20,000 sq. ft. processing kitchen that operates Strong Food, a for-profit subsidiary hiring training program graduates.1

Other Initiatives:: Egger also founded the Campus Kitchens Project and CForward, an advocacy organization promoting the economic role of nonprofits.1

Recognition

Egger has received numerous accolades for his work, including:

• Named one of L.A. Weekly's 2016 People of the Year
• Received the Conscious Leader of the Year award in 2015
• Listed among The NonProfit Times' "50 Most Powerful and Influential" nonprofit leaders from 2006 to 2009
• Awarded the James Beard Foundation "Humanitarian of the Year" in 20041

Current Role

As of September 2024, Egger describes himself as:

• Founder of DC Central Kitchen (DCCK)
• Founding Board Member of World Central Kitchen (WCK)
• James Beard Foundation Humanitarian
• Elder Ally23

His self-description as an "Elder Ally" suggests that he sees his role as supporting and advocating for younger generations in the nonprofit and social justice sectors.