NEW YORK, NY, June 25, 2015 — Aarón Sánchez, award-winning chef, author, and Food Network and Cooking Channel personality, has joined the Culinary Council of Food Bank For New York City, the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs. The Culinary Council of Food Bank For New York City, chaired by Mario Batali, comprises chefs, restaurateurs, authors, and industry leaders with a shared commitment to end food poverty in New York City.
In his new role as Culinary Ambassador for Food Bank, Aarón will bring his exquisite modern Mexican cuisine to Toast & Jam on Thursday, June 25, 2015, a private Food Bank reception for 100+ donors that recognizes and celebrates their shared journey toward ending hunger in New York City. The event is generously hosted by The James Beard Foundation.
“We are very pleased and honored to welcome Chef Aarón to the Food Bank family as a member of our Culinary Council,” said Margarette Purvis, President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City. “Not only does he bring exquisite culinary skill and expertise to everything he does, he also brings a passion to share the flavors and culture of his Mexican roots. What truly distinguishes Aarón is his commitment to ending hunger and poverty—a resolve he shares with Food Bank. Our network of charities is committed to serving the diverse communities of New York City, especially areas where hunger is highly concentrated, and we are excited to have Aarón join us in this mission. “
Aarón Sánchez is the Chef and Owner of Johnny Sánchez, alongside friend and partner John Besh, with locations in Baltimore and New Orleans. He is the host of Cooking Channel’s Emmy-nominated Taco Trip, and co-star of Food Network’s hit series, Chopped. He is also the host of two Spanish-language TV series on FOX Life; 3 Minutos con Aarón and MOTOCHEFS. Aarón’s passion, commitment and skills have placed him among the world’s leading contemporary Latin chefs.
Celebrated by critics and contemporaries alike, Aarón has cooked at the White House as a guest chef and has won a James Beard Award, honoring the nation’s best chefs. He has also starred on multiple Food Network shows including: Heat Seekers, Chefs vs. City, Best Thing I Ever Ate, Best.Ever and Next Iron Chef.
In addition to being a restaurateur, television personality, consultant and spokesperson, Aarón is an author and entrepreneur. His first book, La Comida del Barrio, was published in May 2003. His second book, Simple Food, Big Flavor: Unforgettable Mexican-Inspired Recipes from My Kitchen to Yours, was released in October 2011. Aarón also designed a line of cookware products in collaboration with IMUSA and is a spokesperson for their Global Kitchen line.
Aarón works with many charitable organizations. He is a Chef Ambassador for WhyHunger, a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty. He is also a Chef Mentor for Chefs Move!, a Scholarship Program whose mission is to diversify kitchen leadership by providing minority applicants the opportunity to train up and become leaders in restaurant kitchens and in their communities.
Aarón’s creativity extends far beyond the kitchen. He is a partner at Daredevil Tattoo in New York City, one of the country’s most legendary shops and home to the first ever tattoo museum. Aarón is an avid music lover; he enjoys cooking to the sounds of Alabama Shakes, Amos Lee, Sade, and The Cure. Aarón lives in Brooklyn, New York.
About Food Bank For New York City
Food Bank For New York City has been the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs for more than 30 years. Nearly one in five New Yorkers relies on Food Bank for food and other resources. Food Bank takes a strategic, multifaceted approach that provides meals and builds capacity in the neediest communities, while raising awareness and engagement among all New Yorkers. Through its network of more than 1,000 charities and schools citywide, Food Bank provides food for more than 63 million free meals for New Yorkers in need. Food Bank For New York City’s income support services, including food stamps (also known as SNAP) and free tax assistance for the working poor, put more than $100 million each year into the pockets of New Yorkers, helping them to afford food and achieve greater dignity and independence. In addition, Food Bank’s nutrition education programs and services empower more than 275,000 children, teens and adults to sustain a healthy diet on a low budget. To learn more about how you can help, please visit foodbanknyc.org. Follow us on Facebook (FoodBank4NYC), Twitter (@FoodBank4NYC), andInstagram (FoodBank4NYC).