24-03-2025
Tomato tart helps Chicago youth with special needs
Chicagoans can enjoy one of the city's tastiest new treats while helping support job and nutrition training for people with special needs.
What's happening: The Cuca Cucina tomato tart, created by Chicago chef Elizabeth Floersheimer, hit local stores this month and 10% of proceeds go to a foundation that helps people like Floersheimer's son Samuel, who was born with Down syndrome.
Zoom in: After she learned about the connection between Down syndrome and other medical conditions, including dementia, Floersheimer said she felt compelled to work with youth with special needs to build an early appreciation of high-quality, healthful foods.
She has been doing this through cooking class and special dinners, and later plans to launch something called Route 21 (named for a Down syndrome diagnosis code) to help individuals with special needs with job training.
What they're saying:"So many times children and young adults with special needs are placated with food," Floersheimer tells Axios.
"A lot of times it is their biggest pleasure, as it is with many people. So why not teach them from a young age about amazing food and how it can heal your body? Why eat chicken tenders when you can eat coq au vin?"
Dig in: While the tomato tart might look like a pizza, the butter crust makes it more like a decadent quiche. Perfect for brunch or light dinner with a salad.
Floersheimer recently contracted with a local baking facility to produce the tarts while young adults with special needs, including her business partner Samuel, market them with samplings at local stores and farmers' markets.
