BOSTON, MA – July 13, 2025 – The Boston Public Library (BPL) has welcomed Suman Shah as its new Chef-in-Residence at the Nutrition Lab in the Shaw-Roxbury Branch, made possible by a generous grant from anonymous donors to the Boston Public Library Fund.
The Chef-in-Residence aims to expand community cooking programs and promote nutritional literacy for patrons of all ages. This initiative empowers patrons to explore cooking techniques, cultural heritage, nutrition, and Boston history by offering demonstrations, hands-on classes, and resources. This year's Chef-in-Residence will present programs centered on the theme "How We Gather," guiding patrons in their wish to bring one another together through the power of food and storytelling. Patrons can also book virtual, one-on-one Gathering Guidance sessions, where Chef Suman helps plan menus and offers personalized resources for their next gathering. As with all BPL programs, these offerings are free and open to all.
Suman Shah is a culinary educator and founder of Fork on a Road, a spice-forward business rooted in seasonal cooking, cultural food traditions, and the belief that food is medicine. Over the past eight years, she has taught hundreds of students through libraries, farmers' markets, community education programs, and private classes throughout the Boston area. Inspired by her immigrant heritage and Ayurvedic principles, Suman helps home cooks build confidence in the kitchen through intentional cooking, fresh spices, and seasonal ingredients. Through her work, she develops signature spice blends, vegetarian meal kits, and hands-on cooking classes that explore the connections between food, culture, wellness, and community.
"Suman brings a wealth of talent and heart to the Chef-in-Residence program," said Nutritional Literacy Coordinator Stephanie Chace. "As a culinary educator with deep roots in seasonal cooking and cultural food traditions, Suman has a real gift for making cooking feel accessible and exciting. We're so excited to welcome her to BPL and can't wait to see the programs she brings to our patrons."
Community members are invited to meet Suman and share their ideas for future programs during open house events at the Nutrition Lab on Monday, July 20, 2026, and Saturday, August 1, 2026. Meet and Greet Listening Sessions with Chef-in-Residence Suman Shah will offer an opportunity for patrons to get to know Suman, learn about her approach to culinary education, and contribute suggestions for workshops and classes they would like to see.
"We are excited to welcome Suman Shah, our third Chef-in-Residence, an initiative made possible through the generous contributions of our donors to the Boston Public Library Fund,” said Paula Sakey, Executive Director of the Boston Public Library Fund. “Thanks to private support, the Nutrition Lab is creating and offering engaging, hands-on experiences for our patrons that promote nutritional knowledge, healthy eating habits, and so much more — affirming our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality resources free to all.”
The Chef-in-Residence is one component of the BPL's Nutrition Lab, which serves as the Library's hub for nutritional literacy. It provides learning opportunities for healthy eating and a space to develop life and work skills focused on nutrition and meal creation. The Nutrition Lab is a place to build confidence, meet new friends, and gather as a community.
To learn more about the Nutrition Lab and its upcoming programs, visit: bpl.org/nutrition-lab/.
##
ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large, free municipal library in the United States; the first public library to lend books; the first to have a branch library; and the first to have a children’s room.
The Boston Public Library of today is a robust system that includes the Central Library in Copley Square, 25 neighborhood branches, the Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center, the Kirstein Business Library and Innovation Center, and an archival center, offering public access to world-class special collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and prints, along with rich digital content and online services.
The Boston Public Library serves nearly 4 million visitors per year and millions more online. All of its programs and exhibitions are free to all and open to the public. The Boston Public Library is a department of the City of Boston, under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu. To learn more, visit bpl.org.
ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FUND
The mission of the Fund is to provide financial support to the Boston Public Library, ensuring that it remains viable, engaging, accessible, and free to all. The Fund fulfills this mission by working in partnership with the Library, donors, and other funders in supporting BPL programs and special initiatives. Support from the Fund supplements, but does not supplant, other BPL resources, including City of Boston funding. For more information, visit bplfund.org.