On March 12, CLUES welcomed community leaders, philanthropic partners, and advocates to a special evening at our Saint Paul headquarters: A Table of Hope (Sabor que sana).

Hosted in partnership with Global Humanitaria, the invitation-only gathering brought together a small group of cross-sector leaders committed to strengthening support for Latino families navigating uncertainty and economic challenges across Minnesota.

The evening centered around a unique “Four Hands” culinary collaboration between internationally recognized Spanish Michelin Green Star chef Andrés Torres, executive chef of Casa Nova and founder of Global Humanitaria, and Minneapolis-based chef José Alarcón, a proud Mexican Latino chef whose work celebrates culture, migration, and the flavors of the Upper Midwest.

Together, the chefs blended traditions from Spain, Mexico, and Minnesota, demonstrating how food can become a powerful language of connection and solidarity.

But the evening was about more than a meal.

The experience symbolized unity across cultures while elevating CLUES’ mission through a powerful culinary platform. 

As Liliana Letrán-García, President and CEO of CLUES, shared during her opening remarks:

“At a time when many Latino families are navigating uncertainty, this gathering reminded us that solidarity is powerful. When leaders come together with purpose, compassion, and partnership, we create pathways for dignity, stability, and opportunity.”

Chef Andrés Torres spoke about the role of food in humanitarian work and the importance of solidarity across communities.

“Gastronomy has the power to bring people together around the same table and remind us that we share common needs and hopes,” Torres shared. “Through initiatives like A Table of Hope, cooking becomes more than a meal,  it becomes a gesture of solidarity and support for families who need it most.”

Through this collaboration, CLUES received an in-kind food donation from Chef Andrés Torres and Global Humanitaria, strengthening the organization’s ability to support families experiencing hardship

For many families, the support CLUES provides goes far beyond emergency assistance.

“We are there when families need food, essential resources, and crisis support,” Letrán-García shared. “But we are also there for the long journey forward, through behavioral health services, economic prosperity programs, youth services, and a holistic approach that supports the whole family.”

This gathering also comes during a milestone year for CLUES. In 2026, the organization proudly celebrates 45 years of service to Latino families in Minnesota.

“True community wellbeing is not just about surviving difficult moments,” Letrán-García reminded guests. “It is about creating pathways for families to thrive.”

For decades, CLUES has provided both immediate support and long-term pathways to opportunity through culturally rooted programs, including food access, family services, behavioral health care, youth programming, and economic prosperity initiatives.

Events like A Table of Hope remind us that real impact happens when community, leadership, and compassion meet at the same table.

Continue the Momentum

While this gathering brought together a small group of leaders, the broader community can continue supporting Latino families by investing in CLUES' work.

Your support helps ensure families have access to essential services, economic opportunities, and the resources they need to build stable and thriving futures.

Support families today: www.clues.org/donate. Together, we can continue building hope, stability, and opportunity for our community.