Some heroes wear aprons. Garland Butts, Head Chef at Our Daily Bread (a soup kitchen, and social center in Over-the-Rhine), believes it is part of his mission to expand access, reduce waste, and feed hungry people!
“I’ve learned that healthy food can taste good and be good for you,” Garland reflects. “The stereotype that people in need want junk food is dangerous.”
How did you become a chef?
I became a chef because I needed a job. I tried fast food but that wasn’t my thing. I applied for a job at a nicer restaurant and became the dishwasher. A year later they needed a sandwich guy and I asked for the position. They agreed and started to train me.
My sister encouraged me to enroll in the Cincinnati Cooks program and I went through all their courses. That counted as culinary credit to get a degree at Cincinnati State. Once I completed my associate degree, I started at Our Daily Bread.
What advice do you have for aspiring chefs?
Work hard and show respect to the ones who came before you. I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t been mentored by such good chefs.
What do you want for your career?
At the end of the day, I want to know that I played a part in expanding access, reducing waste, and feeding people who are hungry. If I can be a part of the effort to reduce the number of people who are hungry, then I will feel successful.
How can we get more healthy food to all people?
Encourage local markets and support farmers who sell locally. The more access people have the more the more they’ll value their food. Volunteer with farmers markets or agencies like Our Daily Bread! We need to prioritize getting healthy food to the people who need it most. Food should be accessible to all people.
Sweet Potato Brownies
Ingredients
1 cup Date Flour
1 medium Sweet Potato
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1 tsp baking soda
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Spread in a greased 8X8 baking pan.
Cook at 350*F for 20-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve.