I’ve always seen the power of food as a connector, a way to bring people together with quality, dignity, and a sense of curiosity about how similar we all are. I believe food is the universallove language that can bridge cultures, foster understanding, and build communities. Plate It Forward was a way I could create a conduit for cultural exchange, respect, and genuine human connection. Growing up, watching my mom cook was a way I knew she cared. She no longer had an accent; she was someone people wanted to connect with through food. That sense of love and dignity in every meal is what I want to bring to our tables- at our restaurants and through every meal we donate.
Our initiative started with Colombo Social and soon grew to include Kabul Social, Kyiv Social, and other ventures, each one a testament to our commitment to addressing food insecurity and creating meaningful employment opportunities. We’ve been fortunate to donate over 560,000 meals, while also using our kitchens to provide ongoing employment for over 200 individuals from marginalised backgrounds. These efforts reflect our core values: Food Security, Training & Education, Employment, and Connection.
What sets us apart is our deep-seated belief in realising the potential of every individual we engage with whether it’s our dedicated staff or the guests who walk through our doors. We’re not just offering jobs; we’re providing pathways to brighter futures, fostering an environment where dreams can take flight. Every meal we serve is a step towards a more inclusive, compassionate world. This movement supersedes individuals and reflects the collective journey of ethnic and migrant communities.
At Plate It Forward, we invite you to join us in this journey of transformative change. Whether you dine at our restaurants, participate in our Plate Up Together events, or support our community initiatives, you become part of a movement that transcends the culinary realm. Your involvement helps us demonstrate how every meal, every job, and every moment of connection can be a catalyst for positive change.
Together, we can lay a new set of rules that elevate tradition and prestige for those who cherish quality in everyday life. This is our promise and our passion—to create not just meals, but moments that nourish the body and nurture the soul. Through this journey, we are tackling food insecurity and creating sustainable, genuine, and great dining experiences that reflect the universal love of nutritious food.
Thank you for being part of our story. Let’s continue to Plate It Forward.
Shaun Christie-David
Founder, Plate It Forward
