Guest Chef - Joel Williams

Joel Williams is more than a chef — he’s a passionate advocate for food justice and community wellbeing. As Auckland’s kai champion for The Community Grocer, Joel is leading a bold new initiative to rethink the way we feed our communities. Described as a modern-day Robin Hood of the supermarket world, he’s part of a team delivering pantry staples across Aotearoa, with profits flowing back to the Salvation Army and grassroots partners supporting those doing it tough.

Joel’s approach to food is deeply rooted in ethics, sustainability, and manaakitanga. Influenced by his work with community organisations and market gardeners, his cooking champions simple, honest ingredients and the belief that everyone deserves access to good kai — regardless of their circumstances.

His time in the sector has given him a deep understanding of the systemic challenges communities face. That’s why he’s working to build models that don’t just fill gaps, but fund long-term solutions — from financial mentors to frontline social workers — all through the humble grocery bag.

At Everybody Eats, Joel brings that same heart and purpose to the kitchen. His cooking not only nourishes the body, but tells a powerful story about dignity, equity, and doing things differently.

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