A Love of Food Led to Food Being a Way to Love

Written By: Chef Sydney Desind

As Chef for the Meals 4 Health and Healing program at The Heimerdinger Foundation for almost a year, I am privileged to spend my days cooking, serving, and educating the public about nutrition.

Beginning with my first job at 16, I worked in the restaurant industry for 25 years from high school, then college, and as a full-time career. After studying Culinary Arts at Nashville State, I worked in the fine dining industry for many years. Later, I moved into catering, food manufacturing, and teaching recreational cooking classes as a freelance chef. I love all aspects of working with food, but what I enjoy most is caring for people with nutritious meals. I believe that food is medicine, food is love, and that food is a bridge we can build between us as human beings. I find tremendous joy in serving others and sharing my passion for food.

I sought more meaningful work after many years of working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. When I found that the Meals 4 Health and Healing program needed a new chef, I was thrilled to find a position where I could use my skills to help people who are suffering and teach young people. Our teen program teaches young people how to identify, shop for, and prepare fresh, nutrient-dense foods. With cancer rates on the rise for young people, I am particularly passionate about educating our youth about feeding themselves well. I love to teach how easy it is to prepare simple, delicious dishes that don’t contain processed ingredients, how to eat well on a budget, and how to cook intuitively using our senses. My goal is to demonstrate to the teens and adults in our kitchen that anyone can cook while also helping them prepare nutritious meals they can enjoy with their friends and family.