The Food Lounge started in Dallas and Houston, Texas by a group of friends in 2021. Since then, we have expanded the organization into more than 10 locations nationwide with around 500 members.

We believe we can make a difference.

Ethan Poon – Founder / President

Ethan Poon is a sophomore at Cistercian Preparatory School. He has interests in mathematics, medical science, and biology. Ethan enjoys the logic behind problem solving. He also enjoys music. He plays cello and is a member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. Ethan is also a proud member of his school’s National Honor Society.

In his spare time, Ethan plays tennis and golf, and hosts book clubs and math clubs.

Alex Cai – Founder / Vice President

Alex is a freshman at The Kinkaid School in Houston. He is interested in history and technology and how it affects the world and society.

Since his elementary years, Alex has exhibited exceptional leadership qualities in his commitment to community service and volunteer work. He has taken the initiative to organize and lead various impactful projects, including coordinating multiple book drives, toy drives, and computer recycling activities. Through his efforts, he has not only contributed to environmental sustainability but has also made a significant difference in the lives of others. Notably, Alex has also demonstrated his compassion and empathy by raising thousands of dollars to support refugees, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact on a global scale.

In his free time, Alex enjoys a wide range of leisure activities that cater to both his athletic and intellectual interests. He engages in a wide range of sports and explores various video games to unwind and challenge himself. Among these activities, tennis stands out as Alex’s favorite sport, where he finds solace and excitement on the court. Recently, he has also taken up golf, eager to expand his athletic horizons. Beyond his passion for sports, Alex is an ardent supporter of several teams, including the Rockets, Texans, and Astros, among others. He eagerly follows their progress and passionately cheers them on during games.

In addition to his athletic pursuits, Alex is intellectually curious and enjoys engaging in activities such as quiz bowl and debate. These pursuits allow him to explore many political topics and current events, stimulating his mind and broadening his understanding of the world around him. Alex finds great satisfaction in delving into complex issues and engaging in thought-provoking discussions.

Calvin McKee – Founder / Treasure

Calvin is a 9th grader at Greenhill School in Dallas. Calvin has a broad interest in all school subjects. He also has experience with app design, 3D printing and digital art.

Calvin has a passion for serving the community through volunteer work. As a Life rank Boy Scout, Calvin has contributed many hours of service in such areas as conservation, poverty and generally helping others in the community. He is excited to continue helping others with the Food Lounge.

In his spare time, Calvin enjoys fencing, singing and art.  Calvin also loves to cook and try new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. Outside of school-related activities, he enjoys playing video games and networking with his friends.

Adler Xu – Secretary-General

As the organization’s secretary, I am delighted to share the remarkable progress we have made this year. Since our establishment in 2021, The Food Lounge has remained steadfast in our commitment to providing free and fresh food to those in need. Together, we have made a significant impact in fulfilling our mission and supporting our community. Furthermore, we are grateful for the many dedicated volunteers who have joined us this year. Your unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental in the success of our initiatives. Together, we have formed a compassionate community that works tirelessly to positively impact the lives of those struggling with food insecurity. Your selfless contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we are immensely thankful for each and every one of you. Your generosity and kindness exemplify the true spirit of Food Lounge, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, making a difference in the lives of those we serve.