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.
Mare says
I can’t help but notice the timing of her passing.
No more pain Elena. I’m sorry we have failed you.
Jessy dalas says
I am so sorry! Elana has inspired me many times and I have looked up to her. I can tell she was kind beyond and she lived to help people with everything she did. She made a difference with her life and will not be forgotten. Prayers for her family and friends! Thank you Elana!
Chara says
I so sad to read this….. I am deeply saddened…
CT says
I am so very sorry to hear this. May God bring peace and comfort to her family and friends.
Eva says
I am so sad to read about the passing of Elana.
I had a difficult time about 10 years ago dealing with feelings of deep loneliness and isolation.
Elana’s cookbook was one of my favourites at the time and I would choose a recipe from her cookbook and immerse myself in cooking one of her delicious meals. It always made me feel better.. Thank you Elana.
My thoughts are with her loved ones xx
Sharon Klein says
May Elena rest in peace, out of pain…may she be a guardian to her family who I know she loves very much. Peace, love, and strength to you all xoxo
Shirley says
Oh my what a shock! I hadn’t had internet service for sometime, and finally going through all my emails now!
My heart just aches and is so saddened about this news.
Father God, please bring much comfort for this family ~ wrap your arms around, in Jesus’ Name, Amen ☦️
Joanna says
I am so very sorry to read this. Elana’s recipes helped our family through such a challenging time. She was such a talent. I am deeply saddened. My heart goes out to her family.
Kerry Harrison says
So very sorry for your loss. Following Elana forever and sooo grateful for her sharing all her wonderfulness in everything she did! She fought soo very hard and I appreciate her invaluable contributions when sharing her soul with us. Hugs and love to all those who knew loved her dearly.
Ellie says
How tragic. Deepest condolences to her sons and family.
I don’t understand it. She was so health conscious.
She looked great! She looked 15 years younger than she was! This is so sad.
Life isn’t fair.