The Patachou Foundation unveiled a new name and a broader mission: A Longer Table.
The rebrand reflects the nonprofit’s growing focus on school cafeteria transformation, youth development and food equity. More than a name change, leaders say the shift marks a commitment to systems-level change in how school meals are prepared, served and valued.
“This isn’t just a name change — it’s a statement of intent,” said Martha Hoover, founder of the organization and award-winning restaurateur. “We’re no longer just feeding kids. We’re rebuilding the systems around them to support health, dignity and opportunity.”
Founded in 2013, the organization began by addressing childhood hunger in Indianapolis. Over time, it evolved into a nationally recognized leader in rethinking school food. In Marion County, nearly 1 in 4 children face food insecurity, and more than 75% of public-school students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. For many, the cafeteria provides more than half of their daily calories.
“Every meal we serve is a chance to fuel a student’s future,” said Matthew Feltrop, executive director, who also serves as a Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellow. “Our new name signals the full ambition of the systems we’re changing — and the people we’re inviting into this work.”
To date, A Longer Table has served over 1 million scratch-made meals and graduated more than 50 youth from its workforce development program, the Food Fellowship. Its Next Course Cafeterias model, formerly PataSchool, currently operates in three Indianapolis schools. The organization plans to double its reach within two years.
A Longer Table works directly with schools to improve cafeteria operations, train food service staff and involve students in culinary arts, agriculture and food systems leadership. Its approach positions food as a powerful tool for both immediate nourishment and long-term opportunity.
“If we want different outcomes for kids, we need different inputs,” Feltrop said. “That starts with food, but it doesn’t end there.”
The rebrand is accompanied by a citywide awareness campaign and an updated digital presence. The organization is also inviting the public to join its mission at the 11th Annual Speakers Forum, The Future of Food + Philanthropy, on October 16 at Indiana Landmarks. The event will feature a conversation between Hoover and Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, moderated by Dr. Una Osili of the Eli Lilly Corporate Foundation.
For more information, visit alongertable.org.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
