Chef John Doherty, a former Waldorf Astoria executive chef, founded Hope Kitchen to make nutritious, ready-to-eat shelf-stable meals for individuals and organizations. Its meals use real, USA-sourced ingredients, deliver at least 20 grams of protein per serving, and can be heated in about a minute or eaten from the package. A percentage of every purchase supports the Heavenly HARVST Foundation, which Doherty launched to address food insecurity and has delivered meals to more than 100,000 people in 10 U.S. cities.
USDA-certified facilities
Compliance program
Heavenly HARVST FoundationFounded in New York City in 2015 by former Waldorf Astoria executive chef John Doherty, Heavenly HARVST Foundation produces and provides chef-curated, shelf-stable meals to hunger-relief programs. Its ready-to-eat meals are made without preservatives or artificial flavorings, designed to offer substantial nutrition and dignity to families who may lack reliable access to food or a full kitchen. The 501(c)(3) says it has distributed more than 500,000 meals nationwide, including through disaster-relief and children’s programs.MANHATTAN, NY
Territory FoodsFounded in Washington, D.C., in 2011, Territory Foods is a chef-powered marketplace that prepares and delivers ready-to-eat meals through independent kitchens in local communities. Its dietitian-guided meals are made by chefs across the country, with local sourcing and twice-weekly delivery distinguishing Territory from a centralized meal processor. The company says $9 of every meal purchased stays in the customer’s community, while its streamlined supply chain and recyclable packaging support its sustainability efforts.
JD MealsSince 2019, JD Meals has built its identity as a social-impact food service company, using culturally relevant meals to support communities facing food insecurity. The certified M/WBE prepares fresh meals for organizations serving vulnerable populations, from shelters to schools, while a portion of every sale supports The Migrant Kitchen Initiative, which has provided nearly 4 million meals since 2020.LONG ISLAND CITY, NY
Redefine MealsFounded in 2016 by Matthew Riss and Mark Ciaburri, Long Island-based Redefine Meals prepares fresh, chef-cooked meals that are ready to heat and eat in two to three minutes. Its 65-plus-meal menu is available through home delivery and a network of more than 25 grab-and-go locations across Long Island, New York City, and Westchester. Redefine also uses advance ordering to minimize food waste and recyclable packaging, including #5 plastic containers and boxes made from recycled cardboard.RONKONKOMA, NY