David Hertz

David Hertz is a Brazilian-born chef and Ashoka Social Entrepreneur. He is a TED 2015 Senior Fellow, He uses the power of Food and Gastronomy to transform lives of vulnerable people and underserved communities in Latin America. As a pioneer and visionary, he is a convener in complementary networks and advocates to make food systems more equitable dialoguing with public sector, companies and non-profits. In his TED 2015 Talk he launched Social Gastronomy Movement which now counts with over 200 organizations in 52 countries. For 18 years he is the lead figure at Gastromotiva, an NGO that is transforming Brazil and Mexico bringing job opportunities to thousands of people and also supporting food entrepreneurs. He has created with Chef Massimo Bottura "Refettorio Gastromotiva", a community restaurant school that serves homeless people cooking only with food surplus in Rio de Janeiro. When the pandemic outbreak hit Brazil, Gastromotiva began a movement of expansion to secure the access of healthy food to vulnerable families and children. Since 2020 Gastromotiva has started more than 130 solidarity kitchens distributing over 2 million meals in 15 cities in Brazil. This is a work that is generating social impact From Amazon region to Sao Paulo, From Salvador to Mexico City and beyond. David has as a commitment to transform the lives of 10 million individuals by 2030. Young Global Leader from WEF, Charles Bronfman Recipient 2019, UN Food Systems Champion 2021