Who We Are

Meals to Momentum

Each One Teach One Through Food, Inc. (E1T1) an organization located in Western North Carolina, is dedicated to addressing food insecurity, promoting health and wellness, and creating pathways to economic empowerment through culinary education. Our integrated model combines direct service, education, and revenue-generating programs to create sustainable community impact.

A person in black hoodie preparing food at an outdoor event with people standing behind a fence, and a sign that says 'Office' on the fence.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to nourish communities, and create pathways for learning, growth and opportunities.

We envision a future where communities are nourished, individuals are empowered and shared knowledge creates lasting opportunities for everyone.

Two people preparing and packing trays of food in a commercial kitchen. One person is taking a photo, and the other person is arranging food in aluminum trays that contain a casserole dish with green peas on the side.
Two people preparing and packing trays of food in a commercial kitchen. One person is taking a photo, and the other person is arranging food in aluminum trays that contain a casserole dish with green peas on the side.
A green sign with white text reads 'Today's Stop: Asheville, NC'. In front of the sign, Co-Founders Chef Kikko and Iindia are preparing food outside for the community after Hurricane Helene.
A green sign with white text reads 'Today's Stop: Asheville, NC'. In front of the sign, Co-Founders Chef Kikko and Iindia are preparing food outside for the community after Hurricane Helene.

Leadership

Kikkomon “Chef Kikko” Shaw | Co-Founder

An Asheville native and seasoned Executive Chef with more than a decade of culinary leadership, Kikkomon “Chef Kikko” Shaw has dedicated his career to the intersection of fine dining and community service. After honing his craft under the mentorship of regional pioneer Mark Rosenstein, Chef Kikko spent six years at the acclaimed Bouchon followed by a four-year tenure as Sous Chef at Blackbird, two of Asheville’s most established culinary institutions.

Transitioning his expertise into the nonprofit sector, he served as the inaugural Executive Chef of the Southside Kitchen for We Give A Share/Equal Plates Project. This pivotal role solidified his commitment to food justice and workforce development.

Today, as the Co-Founder of Each One Teach One Through Food (E1T1), Chef Kikko leverages his professional background to empower at-risk and misunderstood youth. His mission is rooted in the philosophy of "reaching back to give back," creating sustainable professional pathways for individuals from similar backgrounds and fostering a stronger, more equitable community through the power of culinary arts.

E1T1 Co-Founders posing in front of a mural paint art of large flowers with the text 'Burial Beer' on it. The person on the left is bending forward and pointing, while the person on the right is standing and smiling.

Iindia Pearson | Co-Founder

Iindia Pearson is a native of the Carolinas and a dedicated advocate for social and economic justice. As a Co-Founder of Each One Teach One Through Food (E1T1), she integrates her professional expertise in finance, logistics, and community organizing to create sustainable pathways for empowerment across Western North Carolina.

Iindia’s leadership is defined by a blend of operational rigor and deep-rooted community connection. Professionally, she has served as a Finance Director and Operations Deputy, ensuring the fiscal health and transparency of regional organizations. Her background also includes serving as a Behavior Support Specialist for Asheville City Schools, where she developed a relationship-centered approach to supporting local youth.

As member of the Armed Forces since 2008 and a current Instructor in Culinary and Logistics, Iindia’s dual expertise was critical during the response to Hurricane Helene. Balancing her role as a resident and a leader, she spearheaded emergency meal distribution and resource coordination to stabilize impacted families.

A seasoned public speaker, Iindia has held high-level governance roles, including President and Vice Chair for regional resident associations and housing councils. She currently serves on the board of the YMI Cultural Center and previously served on the board of Pisgah Legal Services.

Recognized as one of Asheville’s Women of Color Leading Change by the YWCA, Iindia is an entrepreneur who believes food is the ultimate tool for unity. She leads with a commitment to meeting people where they are, guided by her philosophy:

"Let us all move in, move up, and move out together in all that we do, while teaching and training the next generation to do the same."

What We’ve Achieved

  • Served 15,000+ meals to families, youth, and community members

  • Currently providing approximately 1,500–2,000+ meals weekly

  • Stabilizing meal access for approximately 300 students weekly

  • Partnered with schools, community organizations, and housing communities across Western North Carolina

  • Continued participation in Asheville City School’s Wellness Wednesday community outreach events

The meals really helped our family during a very difficult time.

— Community member

Our Impact

E1T1 continues to show up for our students and families when support is needed most.”

— Community School Partner

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