Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Johnson
Hi Courtney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Culinary Care was founded by Courtney Johnson in 2013, driven by her personal journey. In 2006, during her junior year of high school, her father received a diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer, and he tragically passed away just seven months later. During this challenging time, the support of friends and family through meal provision alleviated their worries, allowing them to focus on treasuring their remaining moments together. This profound display of compassion left a lasting impression on Courtney, motivating her to establish Culinary Care seven years later. Although she can no longer share a meal with her father, she is committed to creating nourishment opportunities for others through Culinary Care, as a heartfelt expression of love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The demand for Culinary Care’s work is immense. Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals and families face cancer treatment, and the need for nourishment and support during these challenging times only continues to grow. Meeting this demand requires scaling our fundraising efforts quickly, efficiently, and sustainably—ensuring our organization can continue to serve for generations to come.
With this in mind, we’re shifting the conversation from one-time donations to the incredible impact of monthly giving. Steady, reliable contributions are what allow us to plan ahead, expand our reach, and meet the growing needs of families facing cancer.
Monthly giving transforms anyone into a philanthropist—empowering individuals to make a meaningful impact, no matter their budget. Just $10 a month can fund a nutritious meal for a patient every single month. And at $80 a month, you’re providing unlimited meals and personalized care to a family for an entire year.
This is the power of being part of a community. Together, we lift each other up. Each monthly donation, no matter the size, builds a foundation of hope and nourishment for families when they need it most. We live in a subscription economy, but it’s not something people naturally gravitate towards when it comes to supporting the nonprofits they care about. We’re hopeful to change the narrative for the entire sector.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
1 in 5 cancer deaths each year are a direct consequence of malnutrition. At the same time, 1 in 3 cancer patients report feeling lonely—a factor that can impact survival rates by as much as 25%. These are staggering statistics, but they highlight an undeniable truth: cancer care is about more than just treatment—it’s about caring for the whole person.
At Culinary Care, we believe nourishment needs to be an integral part of cancer care, not an afterthought. It’s about addressing both the physical and emotional needs of patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and cared for throughout their journey. You can think of our work as the two essential components of our name:
The Culinary Side: This is where our meal programs come in. While hospitals focus on delivering life-saving treatments, they often do not provide meals for outpatient care, leaving patients and their families without an essential source of strength. Our made-to-order lunches, prepared by local restaurants, ensure that patients undergoing chemotherapy receive the nourishment they need to fight back, both physically and emotionally. From Treatment Day Lunches to special Holiday Meals, we make sure no patient goes hungry during the moments that matter most.
The Care Side: Beyond meals, we focus on delivering care in every sense of the word. Our Care Concierge team checks in regularly, providing resources, encouragement, and a listening ear. We also deliver chemo care kits, thoughtful cards, and care packages that remind patients they are never alone in their journey. These gestures are small but deeply impactful—helping patients feel connected to a community that truly cares.
Together, these two sides form the heart of Culinary Care. We’re here to make sure that no one facing cancer has to choose between fighting for their health and having a good meal, and we’re equally committed to ensuring no one feels forgotten or unsupported during one of the most challenging times of their life. Because at the end of the day, nourishment is about more than just food—it’s about hope, strength, and community.
Our work is currently available in Chicago & Dallas.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Essential Qualities
These are the essential qualities guiding our mission. They are values shared by our donors, volunteers, and staff.
1. Always Deliver One Less Worry – We want our families to focus on healing and making the most of every minute. With this in mind, we are committed to ensuring interacting with our program and receiving a meal is as easy as possible.
2. Food Is Our Love Language – We believe the action of delivering a good, thoughtfully prepared meal is more powerful than anything we could say.
3. Tomorrow Can Be Better — We don’t accept the status quo. We focus on possibilities, not limitations. Our work is about creating moments of hope and positivity for families navigating an incredibly challenging time. We constantly look for creative solutions to make nourishment a seamless and vital part of cancer care, addressing needs that are often overlooked.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://culinarycare.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culinarycare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulinaryCare
