About Cooks Who Care
In a bustling kitchen, amidst the clatter of pots and pans, the sizzle of sautéing ingredients and the clink of poured glasses, there lies a silent struggle often overlooked – the mental health and well-being of those dedicated to the craft of Food and Beverage. This is where Cooks Who Care (CWC) steps in. We are a Philadelphia-based organization dedicated to supporting the mental health & well-being of people working in these Industries. We recognize that behind every item served with pride, there are individuals grappling with the pressures of the kitchen, enduring long hours, relentless stress, and the constant demand for perfection.
Our mission, in partnership with iLovett Films, transcends the confines of the kitchen walls, as we harness the power of storytelling to shed light on the often taboo topic of mental health. Through compelling narratives, we strive to ignite conversations, erode stigmas, and foster a culture of empathy and understanding within the culinary community. But our commitment doesn’t end there. We actively raise funds to support our non-profit partners, including The Nava Center and Southern Smoke Foundation, who provide vital mental health resources to food service workers at little to no cost.
Chefs themselves, founders Maria & Scott Campbell intimately understand the unique challenges faced by their industry peers. Their tireless advocacy serves as a rallying cry, urging the culinary world to prioritize mental well-being and seek the support they deserve. In a profession where resilience is celebrated and vulnerability often overlooked, Cooks Who Care stands as a beacon of hope, reminding every chef, line cook, and server that their mental health matters, and that they are never alone on this journey.
Maria Campbell has been recognized as one of Edible Philly’s Local Heroes for her exceptional commitment to enhancing her community. Through her innovative initiatives and tireless efforts, she has significantly contributed to local food systems, promoting sustainability and accessibility. Maria’s passion for empowering residents and fostering connections among diverse groups has made a lasting impact, inspiring others to join her in creating a vibrant and inclusive community. Her recognition is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Maria Campbell, MBA is a Chef by trade, Project Manager and educator at Delaware County Community College in Media, PA with 20+ years of experience in the Food and Beverage industries. Scott Campbell is also an experienced chef-by-trade as well as a skilled photographer. Together, they founded Cooks Who Care to address the urgent need for mental health advocacy in the Food & Beverage Industry and to respond to the struggles of their Industry peers. A goal-getter at heart, Maria uses her dynamic energy & drive for community-powered solutions to produce digital media materials and design memorable experiences that showcase actionable care for food service workers.
In addition to mental health advocacy in the Food & Beverage sector, Maria serves small businesses as a Productivity Specialist with her company Imagine Impact LLC, assisting hospitality & creative professionals with project/logistics management to successfully turn to-do lists into success lists.