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.
Sylvia says
My deepest condolences to Elana’s family. I have enjoyed her cook book and her blog for many years. I found her inspiring and will not forget the positive impact she had on my life and how I care for my family.
With sympathy and blessings of healing.
Julianne M Forbes says
The world has lost a special soul who gave so much to so many and now flies in the spirit world free from a physical harness. I will miss her posts as I am sure many will also. Prayers for her ascension and healing for her family are on the way.
Demi Goodman says
This truly breaks my heart. God Bless her family during this very difficult time.
Linda Milroy says
What a great loss. I am so very sorry to hear this. Although I only have known her through her recipes and some correspondence, she was such a blessing to me through her expertise and her recipes, and all the work she did and shared with us
Sending prayers to her family and friends may God give you all peace as you hang onto
Karen says
I am so sorry to hear of Elana’s passing. Elana has changed the way my family and I eat and think about health. Her wisdom was always a ray of light for us. She will always be with us through her recipes. I hope she found her peace and has released herself from pain. Sending love to her family and loved ones.
Amy says
Deepest condolences to all of you. Elana was brave, bold and beautiful. She was such an inspiration to me. I’ve followed her for years. We have much in common- trauma and all.
Her recipes were a haven for me as I struggled to heal from Lyme. Her quiet courage helped me on the hardest days.
I hope she is at peace, out of pain and knows how loved she is!!
Laura Beattie says
Oh my. To know and understand that someone who inspired and helped me understand how to love and support me and my loved ones through her wonderful recipes suffered and ultimately paid the biggest sacrifice, my heart is saddened but I know she is safe and in the presence of love. I continue to learn from her kindness, knowledge and care for all people. Peace to her family. Know that she truly inspired so many of us! She is a true triumph of love and care! Be well her loved ones. Xoxo
Cynthia Durbin says
Thank you Elana for sharing & imparting your God given wisdom, gifts & talents to all of us. May our Lord wrap his arms around you & give your family peace at this time.
K.T. says
Blessings to her family and friends- keeping you all in my prayers.
May you have comfort in knowing how she made the r world a better place for us all to live in.
Chrissie says
I am so sorry. I have only known Elana through recipes, I did not know of her health struggles. I wish I could offer something to lift the pain.
As a Christian, I believe we will live in peace and love again one day. With the kindness Elana has shown others, I believe she had a kind heart. I believe if she would be happy living eternally, as I believe she did, she will be there. Blessings to you all who love and miss her.