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.
Dianna Sirkovsky says
I am overwhelmed with grief and shock to read of Elana’s passing. She was a beacon and I’m so deeply saddened to read of her own struggles. Her light will live on as her friends and followers bake her wonderful recipes and think of her with love, admiration and gratitude.
Lisa says
I am so sorry to read of Elana’s passing. I am sending my sincerest thoughts and condolences to her friends and family. Elana’s recipes were such a help and guide when I needed to support my son’s health as a young child. He is now 17 and thriving. She helped so many people with her work.
Andrea says
I discovered this site literally a few minutes ago then was devastated to read the announcement that Elana no longer is with us. I have no words other than that I am sending my deepest empathy to Elana’s husband, sons, and other family members as well as all her friends. She is yet another individual who has left us much too soon and whom I wish I could have had the blessing of meeting. May Elana rest in love and peace.
Lizbeth Zimmerman says
I just went on her website to check out new recipes and am so saddened to read that she is no longer with us. I was always inspired by her delicious recipes and some of my favorite recipes I got from her. Rest in peace Elana. Your memory will live on in my kitchen and my heart.
Beleszove says
This is such a shock! Deepest condolences to her family. This is a loss for everyone touched by health challenges and dietary restrictions. Her recipes are some of the best I’ve found anywhere and I’ve been making some recipes for over a decade. Her memory and legacy will live on in kitchens and mixing bowls around the world.
Barbra says
Elana was a light so bright! She will always shine within each as we cook her recipes, tell her story of strength and resilience and remember all the beauty she possessed inside and out.
Sue says
So saddened to hear of this. May you find some comfort in knowing that grieving is loving.
Nancy Steetle says
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of this creative spirit… A fierce and resilient fighter, a brilliant advocate for health and a clearly a loving mother.
She found ways of using her pain and loss to support and inform others. I’d check into her website regularly for access to food from my health and inspiration for my spirit. I hope you still keep the website up. It would be a way for her to continue her work And for us to receive wisdom.
Elayne says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with Elena’s husband, boys, and parents.
Margaret says
So sorry to hear and sending my deepest condolences.