Janet Reich Elsbach

About the Author

Janet Reich Elsbach is a passionate advocate for community building through the shared joy of cooking and hospitality. With a background in education and nonprofit work, she has dedicated her career to fostering connections among diverse groups, believing that a well-prepared meal can bridge divides and create lasting bonds. In her writing, Janet draws from personal experiences hosting gatherings, volunteering in soup kitchens, and teaching culinary skills to underserved communities. Her debut book, Extra Helping: Recipes for Caring, Connecting, and Building Community One Dish at a Time, offers heartfelt recipes alongside stories of how food nourishes not just the body but the soul. Through her work, Janet inspires readers to use their kitchens as hubs for empathy, generosity, and social change, proving that small acts of sharing can transform neighborhoods and lives.