He’s an entrepreneur. He’s a restaurateur. He’s an executive chef… It’s impossible to fit someone with such a big heart into one tiny title. Instead, we’ll tell you a little about him: At the start of the pandemic, Chef Claudy was one of many small business owners forced to close his local restaurant, Arnold’s. But that unfortunate bump in the road wasn’t able to slow him down. He’s one of the best chefs in Pittsburg and, instead of taking a back seat, Claudy decided to step up for his community by cooking the food at his restaurant and serving over 30,000 free meals to those without access to basic needs.
How he’s changing his community
As if serving thousands of meals wasn’t enough, Chef Claudy has continued to act selflessly and carry positive energy to help others throughout the pandemic. Most recently, he went on to start a new initiative for the local community called Empowerment Awareness & Training (EAT). EAT is a non-profit organization with a powerful mission: to feed hundreds of people in Pittsburgh from a full-service kitchen at the Energy Innovation Center.
The focus goes beyond the free meals, though. EAT was built on the belief that access to fresh produce is a basic human right. For that reason, the initiative also focuses on raising awareness around food, health, and wellness – through hospitality training programs, cultural workshops, and live performance events. By educating vulnerable populations and the community as a whole, Chef Claudy hopes to make it easier for Pittsburgh residents to find and buy fresh, affordable food. Why’s that important? In his words, “If you’re not eating right, you’re not going to be able to surmount what’s getting thrown at you.”
Ready to nominate a Changemaker?
Do you know someone making a change in your community? Chime in, tell us what they’re doing, and we could send $10,000 their way (and give $2,000 to you if your changemaker is selected)! We’ll also feature them on our social media channels to spotlight the work they’re doing. Learn how to nominate a changemaker here.
Changemakers are everywhere doing things big and small. We’re looking for creativity and originality in your nomination submissions, tell us from the heart! 💚
At Chime, we believe that people who do more, deserve banking that does more for them.
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The deadline for entries is September 27, 2020 at 11:59pm EST. 25 nominees and 25 nominators will be selected. Subject to Official Rules. Visit chime.com/changemakers-rules for details. Private accounts need to be public for your submission to be seen. Potential winners will be subject to a background check to claim the award. Neither Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A. endorse or sponsor, and are not affiliated in any way with this offer. Winnings of $600 or more must be reported on IRS tax form 1099-MISC.