Feast Collective

Feast Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering immigrants and former refugees through food. It was founded in the summer of 2019 by Dan Todd, owner of the Inland Curry weekly carryout restaurant, and Ross Carper, who owns The Compass Breakfast Wagon food truck and works as a service engagement coordinator at First Presbyterian Church of Spokane.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Feast Collective is to elevate and empower immigrants and former refugees as leaders, using international cuisine as a platform for economic resilience, holistic growth, and culture-sharing. The organization aims to create a space where these individuals can integrate into the community and build thriving lives.

Programs and Initiatives

• Feast World Kitchen: This is the core initiative of Feast Collective, operating as a nonprofit restaurant, catering company, and food wholesaler in downtown Spokane, Washington. The kitchen serves as an incubator space for immigrant chefs to share their culture through food. Each day features a different international chef partner, offering diverse menus from around the world.

• Catering and Product Wholesaling: Beyond the restaurant, Feast Collective also offers catering services and wholesales products, providing additional income streams for the participating chefs.

• Community Support Programs: The organization uses its dining room for community programs, such as "Table Time," which provides practical support to members of Spokane's immigrant communities with job applications, resume building, and other community resources.

Structure and Operations

Feast Collective is structured as a nonprofit, relying on donations and partnerships to fund its operations. A significant supporter is the Smith-Barbieri Progressive Fund, and the organization has also engaged in crowdfunding campaigns to support its initiatives.

The building used by Feast Collective, formerly occupied by Sushi Yama, was purchased by First Presbyterian Church as a rental investment and is being renovated for use by the organization. Demolition and remodeling efforts are ongoing, with plans for further development funded through community support.

Impact

As of early 2023, Feast Collective has served nearly 100 families through its programs, helping immigrant chefs to develop career skills and build community connections. By facilitating the sale of international cuisine, the organization enables its chef partners to earn the majority of the revenue from their culinary efforts, which they can use for personal advancement, such as saving for home purchases or starting their own businesses.

[1] https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/2269-feast-collective-to-open-in-fall [2] https://www.feastworldkitchen.org/about [3] https://www.feastworldkitchen.org [4] https://thefeastcollective.com [5] https://www.projectfeast.org/about-us/in-the-news/