Special Chefs - Mission

"This was normalization in its best sense. Our entrants had a strong feeling of experiencing all that the community has to offer. The contest represents what occurs naturally in the world, and participating provided validation to the consumers that they are a part of a broader, exciting universe." - Brian Bentz, Director/QMRP

Our organization and mission
Special Chefs recognizes:

Preparing nutritious, tasty, and attractive meals is essential to good health and positive self-esteem.
Individuals from all walks of life are passionate about cooking and the creativity it engenders.
A bountiful table is the essence of community and at the core of many defining moments with friends, neighbors, and family.
While everyone deserves to share in the meaningful socialization and well-being that inspired cooking fosters, it is unfortunate that these opportunities are not experienced with regularity by many people with developmental disabilities.

Special Chefs, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, spearheaded by individuals with a long tenure in both business and social service arenas, has established a program to recognize and cultivate the cooking accomplishments of people with developmental disabilities. Our charter states that the benefits which accrue from good food must be an integral part of life for these consumers.

Why are we doing this?
Many of the six million people with developmental disabilities living in the United States have been impacted by two trends. First, the deinstitutionalization movement has rapidly transitioned many individuals into community based settings without the prerequisite living skills and knowledge base to prepare nutritious food.

Second, there is a significant labor shortage of direct care workers who provide assistance to a large segment of this population. Quite unintentionally, individuals with developmental disabilities many times do not receive ongoing, consistent instruction regarding food preparation, kitchen safety, proper nutrition, and the social opportunities inherent in well-prepared meals.

The consequences are compelling. Independence and the ability to integrate fully into the community are greatly compromised. Most importantly, there has been a decrease in the overall health of individuals with developmental disabilities across the country.

Special Chefs makes a difference
Special Chefs encourages individuals with developmental disabilities to be knowledgeable and excited about all aspects of meal preparation, including: proper safety and nutrition techniques, socialization opportunities, and the possibilities for competitive employment in the food service sector. We do this through recipe and cooking competitions and by providing ongoing support and timely information at no charge.

More specifically, Special Chefs:

Sponsors the first ever national recipe and cooking competition where individuals with developmental disabilities pursue their interests and showcase their talents. The contest, a call to action and highly visible forum, is open to anyone with a developmental disability over the age of twenty-one.
All recipe submissions are recognized with a personalized award certificate. Selected finalists prepare a recipe in person before a panel of qualified food experts who are appreciative of the unique talents of the entrants. Participants are awarded prizes and are featured at this Web site, at Cont est Winners. Exciting cook-off photos and winning recipes are also shared at this Web site.
Disseminates critical information so that people with developmental disabilities and their care givers are knowledgeable and comfortable in all areas of the kitchen. For the first time, a comprehensive resource is available and continually updated through direct mailings and this Web site. Individuals readily access topics related to cooking which are informative, interesting, and inspirational. Please click on Reci pe Tips and More Ti ps to get an idea of the valuable insights we are providing on a regular basis.