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.
Bethany Miltgen says
I’m so, so sorry to hear about Elana’s passing. My heart breaks for her family and friends. I feel as though I’ve lost a friend myself. She has been such an amazing role model for living well, especially when life is challenged by health struggles. She will be missed, but remembered by so many. Her dishes passed at family gathering and passed down as heritage meals in the many homes she was able to bless with her work.
My daughter was diagnosed with a chronic illness when she was nine years old. She could only handle enteral nutrition for several months. Once she began trying to eat solid food again, it was hard to find anything in the standard American diet she could tolerate. It was Elana’s recipes that were the first we tried that my daughter’s body could handle successfully. We have been using Elana’s recipes for nearly a decade now. They are a part of our weekly meals and special celebrations. Elana’s recipes and sharing her own journey with health struggles have helped to save my daughter’s life and brought joy back into eating together as a family. For all of that, I am eternally grateful! I cannot express enough how much it means to my family and I.
Robert Wolf says
Incredibly sad to hear about this.
Cheryl Caplan says
My condolences to Elana’s family. she blessed my life through her delicious recipes and warmed my heart with stories of her family.
Brenda Evans says
I am so saddened to hear about Elana’s passing. She was a beautiful soul and an inspiration to many. My kids and I have been following her since 2006 and have enjoyed keeping up with her life and trying the many different healthy and delicious recipes. Prayers to her family and may the beautiful memories you have bring you peace in your heart.
Alberta says
I am so sorry to hear of Elana’s passing. My heart goes out to you. I feel like I knew her as she helped guide me through many years of joyful gf baking and cooking. Blessings to you and your family.
Wendy says
Wishing peace for the family. So deeply sorry for your loss. I’ve been so inspired by Elana over the years. May she rest in peace.
Mel G. says
My heart goes out to all whom Elana has touched in some way, especially her family. She made an enormous impact in my life when I needed support around dietary changes. Her recipes always easy, delicious, and healthy are now a main staple in my kitchen. Her personal shares made her feel like a friend, even though I never met her. I cried when I read the email today announcing her passing. She touched so many, especially me, in a very special, authentic way. RIP.
Kimberly Goheen says
So very sorry to hear of Elana’s passing. Prayers for her boys and her husband. I loved when she would share that her sons and their friends taste tested her recipes or the ones they loved like the chocolate chip cookies. I imagined a house full of laughter and fun. I will cherish her contributions to good eating and health. I’ll think of her each time I make ice cream or that amazing cinnamon coffee cake.
Debbie B says
I am so very sorry to hear this devastating news. I found Elena‘s pantry when I was navigating my own personal dietary restrictions. She was a godsend. May your memories wrap themselves around you like a huge hug from her. I will think of her often, especially when I am making one of her nourishing recipes.
Andrea says
My deep condolences to Elanas family. I feel very sorry for you! Shocked to hear this bad news. She was such a fighter! RIP