The Evolved Network Educates At-Risk Youth in Chicago | Eater Chicago

"Sarah Stegner, the two-time James Beard Award–winning co-owner and chef, reached out to White via Instagram about six months after his nonprofit began, saying, “I don’t know exactly what you’re doing. But it looks interesting.” That initial outreach led to meetings and a roundtable she organized—one session included Paul Kahan and Rick Bayless—which then prompted Stegner to invite White to participate as support staff at events and helped integrate him into Chicago’s dining scene. Stegner explains her motivation clearly: “I thought, ‘This guy understands the value of our food system and he’s working with kids,’” and praises White’s approach: “He talked to me about [the organization] where he creates a space within the classroom around food to use his therapeutic skills and just by making that space safe, giving kids the opportunity to really appreciate and feel comfortable and move forward in their lives.” That collaboration helped spawn a pop-up diner series, “A Seat at the Table,” designed to bring together chefs, students, parents, and supporters; participants have included Paul Kahan, Ken Polk (Batter & Berries), Darnell Reed (Luella’s Southern Kitchen), and Tigist Reda (Demera)." - Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu