Why this work and the conversations it inspires matter now more than ever: For all that separates us, food connects us.
The food we grow, share, eat and even what we throw away, is at the heart of every culture. At a time when food systems are increasingly at risk, strengthening those connections can inspire us to grow the world we want for ourselves and our future generations.
For one special evening on Sunday, May 4, 2025, five nationally acclaimed Atlanta chefs will join forces to create a journey of flavors that connects our local stories to our common roots in Africa — where human history and so many of our food traditions began.
Many of our food traditions, particularly those in the American South, come from Africa. But what we might not realize is that our future leads right back to Africa. With 60% of the world’s remaining arable land on the African continent, how that land will be used, who it will be used by, and who it will be used for affects us all.
Cocktails and Castoffs is a fundraiser showcasing the culinary skills of some of Atlanta’s top chefs. The love they put into their dishes, the stories and passions cooked into their food reflect the very work DIG does every day, equipping marginalized communities in Kenya, Senegal and Uganda to lead themselves, their families and their larger communities towards a more nourished and resilient future through regenerative agriculture. DIG farmers and the event chefs have so much to teach; guests are invited to come to learn, enjoy and support.
Attendees will enjoy a signature drink and light bites inspired by DIG’s participating chefs. Have conversations over creative dishes, and learn how indigenous practices and cultural foods can improve food security, nutrition, and climate resilience on a global scale.
The recent cuts to U.S. foreign aid are jeopardizing peace, health and security worldwide. These disruptions are having a devastating impact on the marginalized communities DIG serves. Abrupt terminations of HIV care and treatment, reductions in food assistance for malnourished children and the loss of infrastructure support for resettling refugees are just a few of the challenges directly facing DIG communities.
In light of these challenges, and so many others, DIG offers a viable pathway for local communities to strengthen their own food systems, and that effort needs to grow. Food is a powerful leverage point for systems change, and the communities DIG serves have the vision, incentive and capability to redefine their own futures while strengthening the future of their communities.
Funds raised through this event will go to ensure DIG has the resources it needs to meet this moment and grow.
Participating Cocktails and Castoffs Chefs Include:
Demetrius Brown (Bread & Butterfly, Heritage) has been on a relentless quest to delve deep into Caribbean and Afro-American Culture, tradition, and cuisine, using food as a way to reconnect with roots and the rich culinary heritage of the Black diaspora.
Erika Council (Bomb Biscuit Co.) credits her grandmother for inspiring her love of food and community. Known for her biscuits, she is redefining who belongs in the bread-baking world and has won numerous awards for her craft, including Food & Wine’s 2024 Best New Chef.
Justin Dixon (Humble Mumble) believes great food is both familiar and transformative, elevating simple ingredients with techniques and creativity. His work reflects a deep respect for sustainability, seasonality, and the power of food to bring people together, proving that even the most humble ingredients can tell a story worth sharing.
Maximilian Hines (Stolen Goods) marries local Georgia ingredients with global influences to create refined yet approachable dishes that connect history, culture, and community. With over a decade in Atlanta’s restaurant scene, he brings experience, creativity, and a deep appreciation for culinary storytelling.
Jon’nae “Jaye” Smith (GourNae Eats) is a phenomenal pastry chef known for her magnetic personality, encouraging spirit, and lip-smacking desserts. A competitor on Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship Season 11, she blends Caribbean and Southern influences to craft gourmet treats that celebrate life’s sweetest wins — from birthdays to business launches.
Cocktails and Castoffs is a unique opportunity to explore what connects us and to become active in a food system as vast as the world and as intimate as our dinner table.
