North America's 50 Best Restaurants Celebrates Champions of Change Award for 2025

Celebrating Champions of Change in North America's Culinary Scene

North America's 50 Best Restaurants has made headlines by announcing its inaugural Champions of Change Award winner for 2025. This prestigious award, which celebrates unsung heroes making significant contributions to the hospitality sector, has been awarded to Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, founder and CEO of One Love Community Fridge. Under her leadership, One Love has been delivering tangible benefits to the local community by providing free access to nutritious food.

A Heroine in Food Sustainability
Originally from East Africa and raised in Sweden, Asmeret had a vibrant career in fashion and beauty before diving into the realm of community support in 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she identified a pressing need for food access in Brooklyn, New York. Utilizing her network, she rallied resources to launch community fridges that began delivering fresh, healthy meals to those facing food insecurity.

Today, One Love Community Fridge operates 10 community fridges across New York City and extends its support to 30 partner fridges across various U.S. cities, including plans to expand to Los Angeles and Atlanta. This grassroots initiative not only seeks to eliminate hunger but also strives to educate the community about nutrition. One Love collaborates with farmers, community gardens, chefs, and schools to create a sustainable food system, embodying the values of dignity and health.

Recognition and Impact
William Drew, Director of Content for North America's 50 Best Restaurants, expressed pride in recognizing Asmeret Berhe-Lumax for her commitment to community engagement. He stated, "Asmeret’s leadership exemplifies how grassroots action can foster inclusivity and sustainability in food distribution. Her work significantly impacts society and paves the way for others in the sector to apply similar principles."

In her response to receiving the award, Asmeret expressed profound gratitude, stating, "This recognition is a source of inspiration for many. It signifies the potential of community collaboration in fostering change. At One Love Community Fridge, we believe in the power of food to nourish and unite. Every small, consistent step can lead to substantial change."

Addressing Food Equity
The Champions of Change Award will not only bolster One Love's mission through a financial donation from the 50 Best organization but will also enhance its outreach to serve even more individuals in need. Asperet’s vision emphasizes a more inclusive food landscape where every individual can access nutritious meals, thus tackling food insecurity at its roots.

With the inaugural awards ceremony scheduled for September 25, 2025, anticipation builds within the culinary community as all eyes turn towards this celebration of extraordinary achievements in hospitality. For those looking to learn more about this transformative initiative and the event, further information is available on the 50 Best website.

As North America's 50 Best Restaurants embraces this new award, it not only highlights culinary excellence but also illuminates the powerful impact individuals like Asmeret Berhe-Lumax have in promoting healthy food access and community resilience. This dual recognition of culinary brilliance and social responsibility signifies a hopeful direction for the hospitality industry.