Our Mission
No Res Gourmet's mission is to end hunger in the United States by harnessing the transformative power of food, celebration, and conscious activations, creating a replicable system that unites communities and empowers individuals to thrive.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating hunger in the United States through an innovative service model that brings communities together and empowers individuals to flourish. Our mission revolves around utilizing the profound impact of food, celebration, and conscious activations to establish a scalable framework that promotes unity and enhances the well-being of diverse communities. We champion a holistic approach that encompasses a range of groundbreaking programs and initiatives, tailored to address the distinct needs of those we serve, while fostering a culture of health, wellness, and environmental stewardship, all with the ultimate goal of nurturing a strong sense of belonging within our communities.
Our Vision
No Res Gourmet envisions a future where food and celebration serve as catalysts for unity, empowerment, and positive change, bridging the gap between diverse communities and fostering a culture of health, wellness, and environmental stewardship. We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious, high-quality meals, as well as opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Meet The Team
Firas Ayyad, Founder, Director of Operations
Firas has spent many years in social activism and the non-profit sector in various capacities. During his college years, he volunteered at many local and international charities that focused on community building and women empowerment, including a program with the United Nations, whereby he was stationed in Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank. Shortly after earning his Masters in International Affairs and Economics from the University of CA, San Diego, he joined the Arab Community Center for Integration Services where he is currently a board member and VP of Operations.
Being a refugee himself, Firas has always related to the plight of the most vulnerable segments of society—none more visible than the homeless community where he lived in Los Angeles. After feeling dissatisfied with the lack of resources available to people experiencing homelessness, he decided to take action to do something different. What began with as a small project to cook meals out of his home kitchen, has now turned into a full-fledged non-profit, serving over 100,000 meals since 2020, as well as collaborations with local shelters and organizations.
Erik Armstrong, Director of Community Relations
Erik has been highly involved in local and international non-profit projects for many years. He is co-founder and operator of the UmSo Water Project, which raises funds to build water wells for villages in remote areas of the Amazon jungle, where water access is very limited to the tribes that live there. He has been leading an effort to establish intentional communities based in various regions around the world, including a collaborative village in Bahia, Brazil. Currently, he is overseeing the Solar-Powered Community Fridge project along with LA Community Fridges Network and No Res Gourmet.
Erik is a strong advocate for the rights of people experiencing homelessness. He volunteered with No Res Gourmet early on in its founding, and since then, he has decided to take on a more impactful and involved role. He has been responsible for much of the growth of No Res Gourmet, most notably improving the process to serve over 1,000 meals weekly. Using his culinary experience, and plant-based healthy lifestyle, he has been key in much of the weekly menu design, preparation, and distribution of meals. His hard work and vast network introduced a number of organizations to No Res Gourmet which resulted in meals reaching many more.
