One Table. many stories. all love. 

Food is Love Lancaster celebrates the immigrant and refugee food community that shapes the heart of our region.

Through shared meals, handmade goods, and creative collaborations, we uplift the people and flavors that define Lancaster’s cultural landscape — building connection one story and one bite at a time.

  • Three tacos with various ingredients including grilled chicken, fried fish, and shredded meat, garnished with fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, and salsa, served with lime wedges

    Featured Food Makers

    Our work is rooted in community and made possible by the immigrant and refugee chefs, cooks, and food businesses who bring their stories to the table. From cherished family recipes to bold new flavors, they are the heart of Food is Love.

  • Three restaurant staff members standing on a patio outside a brick building, smiling at the camera. Two women and one man, all wearing aprons, with the woman on the left and the man wearing a cap.

    Local Partners

    Food is Love thrives through partnerships with local businesses that share our values of hospitality, inclusivity, and care. From event hosts and retail stockists to welcome basket collaborators and food tour stops, our partners help bring these stories to life. Together, we create spaces where community can gather, discover, and connect — one shared experience at a time.

Three fresh tacos with various fillings including grilled chicken, fried fish with salsa, and grilled meat with cilantro, served with lime wedges on a brown tray.
A promotional poster for 2024 gifts supporting local food trucks and vendors, featuring photos of a man in a red hoodie, a delivery vehicle, and a gift box with a blue logo. The poster encourages developing a gift-giving philosophy and provides a lis
A person holding a bottle of pink-colored citrus juice and tea with a label that reads "Pireskoo, John Adams, Apple Cinnamon, Spice Tea" and includes flags of Chile and the United States.
Open food boxes and a colorful brochure or menu titled "Food is Love" from the Lancaster Family, with text that welcomes to the Food is Love Lancaster Family.
Three white coffee mugs with colorful illustrated patterns of food and drinks, and one mug with the phrase 'Food is Love' written on it, set against a light blue background.
A young girl with long brown hair and freckles holding a tray with a large pretzel sprinkled with salt. She is smiling slightly and wearing a dark hoodie with earphones. In the background, someone is holding a cup of creamy beverage.
Woman in a brown sweater receiving food from a smiling woman with dreadlocks, wearing a black beanie and black sweatshirt with a cafe logo, at a food service table in an indoor setting.
Colorful food illustrations including bowls of soup, tacos, sandwiches, cookies, fruit, vegetables, coffee cups, and other dishes surrounding a central text about food love and sharing stories of food.
A display stand with coffee bags and a 2024 calendar, set outside next to a teal and yellow sign for Character Coffee.
A man wearing a red hoodie, orange hat, and a lanyard with keys, standing in front of a yellow food truck advertising West African cuisine.
A woman with braided hair, dressed in a colorful patterned top, holding a clear plastic container in one hand and stirring in a large pot with a spoon in her other hand.
Three smiling restaurant staff members — two women and one man — standing outside a brick building, dressed in black aprons, with the woman on the left wearing a cap, the woman in the middle with her arms crossed, and the man wearing a black cap and

About The Founder

Jennifer Oehme Knepper founded Food is Love Lancaster from a simple yet profound belief: food is the universal language of connection. Originally launching the “Gifts That Give Hope” initiative and hosting annual gift fairs, Jenn has long brought people together around stories, shared values, and meaningful design. A passionate advocate for ethical sourcing and social impact, she also co-owns Chestnut Ridge Honey & Beeswax Products—deepening her commitment to sustainability and fair practices.

Living in Lancaster County, Jenn saw an opportunity to spotlight immigrant and refugee food makers — the people who embody the region’s vibrant cultural fabric. With Food is Love, she combines her artistic eye, community spirit, and love of shared meals to uplift these voices. Every event, product, and story is rooted in hope, care, and the desire to build connection through food.

A woman holding a colorful, decorative menu or booklet titled 'Food is Love' in front of lush green foliage. She is smiling and has long brown hair. There is a smaller image of a calendar titled '2024 Food is Love Cafe & Coffee Calendar' being held by another person in the background.
Contact Jenn