Reinventing the Meal

The first charity of choice for Practically Delish is Gabriel Project, a nonprofit that provides baby supplies to mothers in need. What an incredible idea.

Just a couple days later, I heard Panera Bread was launching a similar initiative, opening a chain location where patrons pay what they want, with proceeds going to support nonprofit work. The new store, located in the St. Louis suburb of Clayton, Mo., does not have any prices. Diners are simply given a receipt with the suggested food price (the normal price on the Panera menu), and they are free to pay whatever they’d like by placing money in the donation jar. It’s a concept that is baffling and enterprising all at once.