Local First
The East End of Long Island — where we live, cook and serve.
Meet Chef Marco
Two Minutes That Explain Everything
Filmed on Long Island and in Umbria, Italy.
Serving the Long Island Community
Real food.
Real change.
14+ years · 35+ volunteers · 1,000s of meals served
Citizens 4 Humanity has served gourmet healthy meals to people in need since 2012.
Watch
Our Story
Our Mission
Gourmet healthy meals for people who need them.
Citizens 4 Humanity exists to restore dignity, strengthen communities, and create opportunity through food, education and compassionate service. We believe every person deserves not just a meal for today, but the knowledge, skills and support to build a better tomorrow.
Chef Quality
Gourmet healthy meals, never an afterthought. Our mission is led by Master Chef Marco Barrila of Insatiable Eats Catering.
Direct Giving
In-Kind Donations matched to people who need them the most.
14+ years35+ volunteers1,000s of meals served
Our Founders
Built Together
Citizens 4 Humanity was founded by Marco and Sheila Barrila — partners in life and in this mission — who together turned a passion for food and service into a movement that has fed thousands across Long Island.
co-founder · since 2012
Marco Barrila
Co-Founder · Master Chef · Humanitarian
Master Chef Marco Barrila is a culinary luminary named one of the top 40 chefs in New York City, where he worked alongside esteemed colleagues such as Daniel Boulud and Marcus Samuelsson. With a dynamic presence on television and radio, he has hosted cooking shows and segments and appeared as a guest chef on the Food Network. As a juror for the French Culinary Institute in New York, Marco mentored and supported graduating students. He has owned six restaurants. Currently he owns and operates Insatiable Eats Catering & Event Company and co-owns the Shinnecock Lobster Factory based out of Southampton.
co-founder · since 2012
Sheila Barrila
Co-Founder · Managing Director · Operations
Sheila Barrila is a finance and commercial real estate professional with a decade of experience managing major properties, including her tenure at the Biltmore in Atlanta, where she oversaw large-scale property conversions. Voted Rookie of the Year in her first year in Hamptons real estate and runs Insatiable Eats catering as a celebrity party planner. As co-founder, Sheila is the operational and property backbone of Citizens 4 Humanity and of the Barrila Hospitality Academy project in Umbria.
Our Board
Diversity is our strength.
35+volunteers·14years serving·East End of Long Island
Marco BarrilaCo-Founder · Master Chef
Sheila BarrilaCo-Founder · Operations
John DiconzaFundraising Chair
Thaddeus HillEducation Advisory Chair
Christine Curiale SteinmullerCommittee Chair
Kimberly GoffCommunity Outreach Chair
Theresa SarroCommunity Relations Chair
Emily MastandoGovernance Chair
Alanna QuinnNominating Committee Chair
Marilyn GoldbergMarketing & Communications Chair
Marcia WallaceSecretary
Venise HendershottTreasurer
Who We Serve
People Helping People
01
Single Parent families
Reliable, ready-to-serve meals for households where every minute and every dollar is already spoken for.
02
Families in health crisis
Nutrition that supports recovery when illness makes cooking for the household impossible.
03
Individuals in transition
A steady bridge for neighbors between jobs, between homes, between chapters of a hard year.
04
Community Groups, Families, Homebound Seniors, Hospitals, Schools & Veterans
We partner with trusted local institutions so meals reach the people who need them, discreetly.
Featured Initiative
dalla terra alla tavola
The Barrila Hospitality Academy
Tenuta San Leonardo · Gualdo Tadino · Perugia · Umbria, Italy
A transformative academy bringing American youth ages 17 to 24 to Italy for hands-on training in culinary arts, hospitality, and Italian culture.
Set on 12 acres of Umbrian countryside — two stone buildings (~3,500 sq ft each) plus a 1400s historical church and outdoor stables.
Tenuta San LeonardoThe Curriculum
Culinary Arts
Hands-on training in culinary techniques, cooking methods, and recipe development under Master Chef Marco Barrila.
Hospitality Management
Customer service, event planning, menu planning, and hotel and restaurant operations.
Cultural Immersion
Language lessons, local excursions, and engagement with Italy's rich cultural heritage.
Agriturism Practices
Sustainable farming, locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, aligned with the Slow Food Movement.
Financial Literacy
Essential financial skills for success in the hospitality industry.
Mental Health Support
Vital access to mental health experts and personal-growth resources throughout the program.
Our Plan
$242,500 raised of $1,197,000
Phase 2 active · 20% funded
- 2024
Property Purchased
- 2025
Legal, mortgage, taxes — $242,500 raised
- 2026
Interior construction — $325,000 goal
- 2027
Furniture, fixtures, equipment
- 2028
Grand Opening Launch
Why Umbria?
Stunning Landscapes
Rolling hills, vineyards, and breathtaking countryside views.
Culinary Heritage
Truffles, olive oil, and celebrated regional wines like Sagrantino.
Centrally Located
An easy base between Rome, Florence, and Perugia.
Events
Events that fund the table.
Signature fundraiserSignature fundraiser
Taste of Umbria
Annual fundraising event supporting the Barrila Hospitality Academy. Ticket price $150.
Email for Ticket Information
Local FundraiserLocal Fundraiser
Lobster Festival
Tickets on Sale Soon!
Tickets on Sale SoonGet Involved
Giving, made simple.
Donate Money
Every gift routes through BetterWorld and goes straight to gourmet healthy meals for people in need. No detours.
Give nowDonate In-Kind Gifts
Email to match your gift to people who need it the most.
Email us about an in-kind giftPrefer to choose a specific program? See all ways to give →
one last thing
Join our community mission.
Every gift, every pound of produce, every hour — it all lands on a real table on the East End.
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