Rochester Deaf Kitchen

Rochester Deaf Kitchen, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) communities in Rochester, New York. Led by Executive Director Zachary Ennis, the organization operates two key programs to serve its mission. The first program is the Deaf Community Food Pantry, which offers a variety of nutritious foods to empower individuals to select the food that suits their preferences. This program ensures accessibility and inclusivity by facilitating communication using American Sign Language (ASL) and providing a welcoming and empowering environment for the Deaf community. The second program, Nourishing Deaf Learners, focuses on addressing food insecurity among students at the Rochester School for the Deaf. This initiative aims to provide snacks to students, especially those in early childhood, to create a more conducive learning experience. The organization actively collaborates with local entities, businesses, and government bodies to efficiently distribute food to the most marginalized within the Deaf communities. The Deaf Community Food Pantry is strategically located on the campus of Rochester School for the Deaf to maximize reach and accessibility for most Deaf people living in the city. They aim to support Deaf students facing hunger at Rochester School for the Deaf, thus addressing a pressing issue in the local community. Since its inception, Rochester Deaf Kitchen has made significant strides, serving over 1,550 Deaf individuals and distributing six tons of food in the first month and half. Their impact is recognized and supported by local leaders and organizations, reflecting their growing influence and efficacy. With the support of individual donors like yourself, Rochester Deaf Kitchen plans to extend its reach, improve infrastructure, enhance professional development, expand its services, and intensify outreach and awareness efforts. The organization has a detailed plan for using the funds, including addressing immediate pantry needs, organizational scaling/responsiveness, building human capacity, and building up our fundraising efforts. They have set a comprehensive timeline for executing these activities starting January 2024, ensuring that the donations are utilized effectively. Rochester Deaf Kitchen aims to further its mission of combating food insecurity within the Deaf community, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. Thank you for considering RDK.

We focus on: Health, Human Services

Where we are: Monroe