SHARING HIS STORY
Ryan has spoken publicly about life with Crohn’s disease and an ostomy, including awareness activities and community conversations.
COMMUNITY / BEYOND THE TABLE
TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE.
Good food gives us a way to connect, share what we know, and show up for one another.
From community meals and health advocacy to cooking education and local food relationships, hospitality reaches beyond the table.
FEEDING Our Community / 2020
A LITTLE BREAD. A LOT OF HEART.
When COVID brought private events to a halt, NDF returned to sourdough.
We baked for people who needed food and connection, including service workers, artists, and musicians. As the community responded, donations helped us prepare meals for frontline workers, too.
Bread became a way to keep cooking, support one another, and stay connected through a difficult time.
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
In May 2020, support from Runaway Fitness and its community helped NDF deliver 120 meals to Lurie Children’s Hospital as part of the frontline response.
HEALTH & IBD ADVOCACY
FOR RYAN, THIS IS PERSONAL.
Ryan’s experience living with Crohn’s disease and an ostomy is part of his story, and part of what he brings to hospitality.
Alongside his background in social work, it has shaped his interest in listening, sharing knowledge, and helping people feel included.
Through public storytelling, cooking education, and involvement with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation community, Ryan has shared his experience with others navigating their own journeys.
SUPPORTING A CONNECTED COMMUNITY
NDF’s archive documents participation in Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation fundraising events. Ryan’s involvement also includes Camp Oasis and mentoring young people.
IN RYAN’S WORDS
Hear Ryan reflect on the connection between his personal experience, service, and food.
FOOD EDUCATION
KNOWLEDGE IS WORTH SHARING.
A cooking demonstration can open up more than a recipe. It creates space to ask questions, explore ingredients, and learn from one another.
NDF’s community education has included online cooking demonstrations and awareness events, bringing practical cooking conversations to people beyond the dinner table.
COOKING & CONVERSATION: 2020
An online demonstration with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Illinois community brought cooking together with conversation about community initiatives.
OSTOMY AWARENESS: 2020
NDF collaborated with Hollister on an online cooking class for Ostomy Awareness Day.
HAVE AN EDUCATIONAL EVENT IN MIND?
Tell us about your organization, audience, and what you’d like to explore together.
Looking for a private or team class? Explore Cooking Classes & Experiences
LOCAL FOOD. REAL RELATIONSHIPS.
KNOW THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE INGREDIENTS.
Our connection to local markets began with curiosity about what to cook. It grew into relationships that help shape what comes out of the NDF kitchen.
Buying from local producers, learning what’s in season, and sharing those stories with guests are part of how we stay connected to the food we serve.
FROM SHOPPING THE MARKET TO SERVING AT IT.
In 2026, NDF joined Green City Market as a vendor, bringing sourdough pizza and focaccia to a community that had helped inspire the business.
Explore Our Sourdough Story- Nichols Farm & Orchard
- Mick Klug Farm
- Finn’s Ranch
FEATURED COLLABORATION / NDF × GREEN GATHER
GOOD FOOD. SHARED PURPOSE. REAL CONNECTION.
Our collaboration with Green Gather brings food, sourcing, and participation into gatherings for teams and communities.
Through interactive dining and food education, we create opportunities to learn about ingredients, ask questions, and connect with the people around the table.
CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
CARE CAN START WITH SHOWING UP.
Ryan’s earlier work with children and families helped shape a lasting commitment to service.
That commitment has continued through mentoring, sharing his experience with young people, and supporting community fundraising efforts.
A STORY TO SHARE
In 2025, Ryan shared his recognition as a Camp Oasis IBD Warrior and his plans to speak with campers about his experience.
AN EXPERIENCE THAT SUPPORTS OPPORTUNITY
In 2022, NDF offered a six-person dinner for a fundraiser supporting youth after-school programs and mentoring in Chicago.
PULL UP
A CHAIR.
Have a community initiative, educational event, or collaboration you’d like to discuss?
Tell us who you’re bringing together and what you have in mind.
Start a Conversation