the patra project

Chef Kristen founded the Patra Project in 2016. Its inspiration comes from the ancient Buddhist philosophy of giving and receiving. Monks in many eastern traditions carry a Patra bowl, or alms bowl with them and rely on the generosity of their community to sustain them. The monks know they will be cared for, that their Patra bowl will always be full, and the community knows the monks will bless and care for their spiritual needs. This interconnected “knowing” is the basis for our name and guiding principles. Each feels a sense of obligation in the cycle of giving and receiving. In that way, we know that by caring for the communities we serve, our needs will be met and we will all thrive and flourish.