A Longer Table strengthens school cafeterias so children are nourished and prepared to learn by building the workforce and systems to support scratch cooking.

FAQ about A Longer Table

Formerly The Patachou Foundation

Thank you for being part of this work. The mission is steady, the work is growing, and we’re glad to have you at the table.

  • Why did you change your name?

    Because the name should match the work.

    For years, The Patachou Foundation meant fresh meals and deeper care for kids. But today, we’re doing more than feeding students—we’re transforming how school food works. That includes helping schools serve scratch-made meals, preparing teens for careers in food, and building systems that are practical, lasting, and designed to grow.

    A Longer Table reflects that shift. It’s a name built for what comes next: more schools, more students, and a stronger, more connected approach to feeding the future.

  • Has your mission changed?

    No. The mission is the same: to ensure every child has access to good food—served with dignity, rooted in care, and connected to long-term opportunity.

    We help schools serve scratch-made meals that support health and increase participation. We prepare high school students for future careers through paid, hands-on training. And we work alongside school communities to build food systems that are designed to last.

    The name has changed. The purpose hasn’t.

  • Is Martha Hoover still involved?

    Yes. Martha Hoover continues to play an active leadership role as a founding board member.

    Her vision helped launch this work, and her ongoing involvement shapes our strategy, governance, and commitment to systems-level change in food and workforce.

  • What is your relationship to Café Patachou and Won’t Stop?

    A Longer Table is a fully independent nonprofit organization with its own board, team, and mission. While the organization was founded with early support from Café Patachou, it has always operated separately has no formal ties with the business.

  • Are your programs changing?

    No. Our work continues—and it’s growing.

    Next Course Cafeterias (formerly PataSchool) continues to partner with schools to reimagine the cafeteria as a space for nourishment, dignity, and connection.

    The Food Fellowship remains our immersive, paid workforce development program for high school students exploring careers in food, hospitality, and agriculture.

  • What will this mean for community partnerships?

    Only the name has changed — our partnerships remain strong.

    The same team continues to lead this work, guided by consistent values and long-term commitments. Programs remain rooted in schools and communities, grounded in the belief that every student deserves food that nourishes, dignifies, and creates opportunity.

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