For thirty years, soft-spoken Chef Jimmy Lee Hill has run a highly regarded gourmet culinary training program inside a Michigan prison. He is teaching them the value of knife skills, life skills, and French sauces. This September, both Hill and his story are coming to St. Pete.
The James Beard Award-winning documentary Coldwater Kitchen tells the inspiring story of Hill’s extraordinary program. It follows the Chef and three of his students – a juvenile lifer, a hotshot cook battling an opioid addiction, and a former drug dealer – as they navigate the distress of incarceration and the many challenges of transitioning back into society. It’s a powerful look at how culinary arts can become a catalyst for transformation and hope.
The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg is partnering with the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival (TBCGF) to host a free, special screening of the documentary on Tuesday, September 15th at the Foundation (2333 34th St. S). Chef Hill will be in attendance for the special screening, hosting an audience Q&A.
“Stories have the power to transform our thinking, spark new ideas and connections, and inspire us to act boldly in service of our shared humanity and values,” says Foundation President and CEO Dr. Kanika Tomalin. “We’re thrilled to bring our community access to this powerful film and its creators so that, together, we may expand our thinking around opportunity and change.”
The partnership with the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival further highlights the evening’s focus on community well-being.
“The Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival is about more than just food; it’s about empowering our community with the tools to make healthier, sustainable choices,” says TBCGF co-founder Boyzell Hosey. “We’re thrilled to continue this celebration of heritage and well-being with the invaluable support of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.”
Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for an engaging Q&A session featuring Chef Jimmy Lee Hill, fellow cast member Chef Dink (who went through the program and went on to open his own restaurant), and executive producer Desiré Vincent.
St. Petersburg resident Chef Marques Clark of Yes Chef Village will also join the discussion to offer a local perspective on overcoming the challenges of incarceration and using food as a pathway to health.
The evening is free, but registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 5:00 PM for food and networking. Please aim to arrive no later than 5:50 PM so you don’t miss the start of the film at 6:00 PM.
To save your spot and learn more, you can visit the event registration page.
Event Details:
Date: September 15th, 2026
Time: 6–9 PM (Doors open at 5 PM)
Location: Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, 2333 34th St. S, St. Petersburg, 33711
