We are very sad to share the news that Elana passed away on February 8, 2025. It is a traumatic and tragic loss for her family, friends, and the entire Elana’s Pantry community.
Elana was a creative beacon who was constantly looking for ways to help people and make the world a better place. She founded two companies that were the definition of doing well by doing good.
Ecosav started in 1993, was a leader in bringing recycling programs to New York City commercial establishments and helping them reduce their waste bills in the process. She was named one of the city’s 40 under 40 for her work.
Elana’s Pantry, founded in 2006, brought simple, healthy, gluten free, and grain free recipes and extensive health and wellness advice to millions of people. She was also the author of three cookbooks, including a New York Times bestseller, and an investor in numerous cutting-edge companies bringing healthy products to people, like Primal Kitchen, LMNT, Kettle & Fire, Wellnesse, Magic Spoon, SteadyMD, Serenity Kids, and Beekeeper’s Naturals.
Elana was committed to giving back with charities such as Pesticide Action Network, Not Putting on a Shirt, Tulane Medical School, Boulder Community Hospital, Baby2Baby, Castleman’s Disease Collaborative Network, and The Anti-Recidivism Fund, and was a co-founder of the Katz Amsterdam Foundation.
Elana was also a fierce advocate for women’s health and eliminating biases through systemic change in the medical system.
Elana had a number of challenges in her life but always found a way to connect and help people, never wavering from her goal to “save the world”, a goal she told her parents about when she was 22.
She will be deeply missed.
Elana is survived by her husband and two sons as well as her parents and sister. We ask for privacy for her family during this very tough time.
Lana says
Deeply saddened. Huge thanks to Elana for being so generous in sharing her knowledge and helping so many women make a healthy meal, gluten-free desserts for their families.
Kimberly Boigon says
I will be forever grateful for her nourishment as I fought my way back from Guillain Barre Syndrome, searching for gluten-free and dairy-free options. It sounds silly, but I think of her every time I make the perfect oven roasted chicken. She helped me nourish my family for years. I’m so sad to learn of her passing. May her memory be a blessing.
Ann says
I still miss you Elana… Thinking of you and your family.
Gypsy Andrews says
I’m forever grateful for the body of work she created and gifted to us. I started my grain free journey almost 2 decades ago and her recipes were my saving grace at a time when there was almost nothing available online. She helped restore my health and inspired me in nourishing my then toddler who thrived on a Paleo diet. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. May her light continue to shine for others.