Elijah Joy facts for kids

Elijah Joy (born Erik C. Nedd) is an American vegan celebrity chef, green living advocate, and television host. He is also a singer and writer. Elijah Joy started a company called Organic Soul, Incorporated. This company focuses on a vegan lifestyle and uses different types of media. It is based in Takoma Park, Maryland. He also created a special raw vegan deli product called Go-Go Greens. Organic Soul even helped sponsor Al Gore's Green Inaugural Ball in 2009.

Elijah Joy's Journey to Becoming a Chef

Elijah Joy began his career as a personal chef for the famous musician Isaac Hayes. In 1997, he started appearing regularly on WRKS' The Isaac Hayes and Friends Show. This helped him become well-known.

Introducing Go-Go Greens

Later, Elijah Joy became a live host at B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill. He also introduced his new product, Go-Go Greens, at Moby's vegetarian restaurant and tea shop, Teany, in New York City.

Media Appearances and Healthy Living

Elijah Joy has also worked as a voice-over artist. He was featured on singer Mýa Harrison's album Fear of Flying. His work has been shown on many TV channels. These include The Wendy Williams Show, E! Entertainment Television, Bravo, and MTV.

Bringing Healthy Food to More People

In 2010, Elijah Joy started making Go-Go Greens in larger amounts. This was so more people could buy it. This happened around the same time that vegan nutritionist Tracye McQuirter's book By Any Greens Necessary was published.

Opening Organic Soul Stores

That same year, he opened the first Organic Soul store. It was a special temporary store, called a pop-up shop. It was located in Union Station in Washington, D.C. In 2012, he opened his second vegan pop-up store. This one was in Oakland's Chinatown.

Making a Positive Impact

On October 28, 2011, Elijah Joy appeared on Oprah's Lifeclass. He shared important lessons about forgiveness and finding joy. He spoke about these topics after a very difficult time in his family.

Helping Communities with Food

Since moving back to Washington, D.C., Elijah Joy has been working with different groups. He partners with community and non-profit organizations. Their goal is to provide food to areas in the city where people don't have enough to eat. This work is especially focused on Ward 8.

Recognized for Community Work

His efforts in helping communities work together were featured in Yes! Magazine in October 2016. Students from American University's Center for Media and Social Impact also made a short film series about his work.

See also

• List of vegans