I’m Kathryn LaCombe, the author of A Rescue Feast and the Culinary Director at Second Chance Foods, a nonprofit community kitchen that transforms rescued food into meals for hunger-relief organizations across the Hudson Valley.
After years of hands-on work in food rescue — cooking, sorting, repackaging, and delivering food alongside volunteers of all ages — I realized how rarely children’s books show what this work actually looks like. A Rescue Feast grew from a desire to tell that story in a way that is honest, hopeful, and accessible to young readers.
Through my writing and programs, I help children understand where food comes from, why it matters, and how caring for each other and the planet can start small — right where they are.
A Rescue Feast began as a cherished family memory in our garden and blossomed into a heartwarming tale that celebrates sustainability, food, and the power of giving back. Rooted in my journey through food justice and education, this book weaves together storytelling with meaningful lessons—encouraging children to consider where their food truly comes from, why community is at the heart of everything, and how each of us can make a difference.
I believe that children are never too young to care deeply about the world around them. Stories have the unique ability to inspire empathy, spark curiosity, and nurture a sense of environmental responsibility. Through A Rescue Feast, I hope to equip young readers with the tools to embrace the ideas of sharing, sustainability, and abundance, while reminding them that they too have the power to be helpers in this world.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, librarian, or someone who believes in the power of stories, I’m so glad you’re here. This space is about more than just a book—it’s about creating connections between learning and living, food and family, service and storytelling.
I invite you to explore the free teaching guide, try a fun Rescue Recipe with your kids, or share A Rescue Feast with a young reader in your life. Together, we can inspire a generation of curious, compassionate kids who care about the world around them.
Let’s raise tomorrow’s changemakers—one story at a time.
