“Mama’s Food” is a Switzerland-based catering project designed in collaboration with HOFOGI – Hope For Girls Association. The project gathers cherished recipes passed down through generations, with a mission to preserve cultural heritage and foster exchange between communities. By highlighting the culinary traditions of mamas from diverse backgrounds, “Mama’s Food” connects the act of cooking to cultural identity, while empowering women through these shared practices.
The concept was first developed by Claudia Piller, founder and president of HOFOGI, an association in Migori County, Kenya, that supports women’s empowerment through education. Claudia’s vision is to promote “Mama’s Food” through her music and arts projects, allowing it to become both a celebration of culinary heritage and a source of support for education.
In 2021, Irmak joined the venture to set up the project and build it into something that could continuously generate income for HOFOGI’s activities. The project initially started with food delivery services, then expanded into catering for events. Later, it grew into offering lunch menus at Oxil, featuring heirloom recipes, and eventually hosting events like Mama’s Food Nights. A portion of the income from these activities—20%—is sent to Kenya to fund a tailoring education program, helping participants gain valuable skills and financial independence.
Out of 22 participants, 5 women successfully completed a 9-month tailoring course and received diplomas from HOFOGI and the relevant governmental body. After the first graduates began producing goods for their communities in February 2023, achieving financial independence, Irmak’s role in the project naturally came to a close in Mama’s Food, moving on to CSAWE.
The project is ongoing and is now run by HOFOGI. It continues to create meaningful impact. Some graduates are now working on business plans to start their own ventures, while others have found job opportunities through local networks.
To learn more about the parent organization HOFOGI:
https://www.hofogi.org
To get to know Claudia a bit better and support her art:
https://www.claudia-masika.com
