Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation

08/05/2026

Vice President & Treasurer John Akscin visited Hope House of Miller County in Lake Ozark, Missouri, last week to see firsthand the impact of ABZFF's support for the organization's Food Pantry program.

John met with Service Director Sharon Konuch and Board President Jody Hanner while dedicated volunteers were busy packaging food for a day of pantry distributions. It was a great opportunity to connect with the team and witness the compassion and commitment that make Hope House such an important resource for the community.

We're proud to support Hope House's Food Pantry program and grateful to everyone who helps provide food and hope to families in need.

05/28/2026

Growing season is underway at Share Food Program’s Nice Roots Farm 🌱 It was wonderful to see their impactful work in food access and nutrition education up close. Proud to support them as an grantee, and we look forward to visiting again soon.

12/23/2025

Behind the scenes at ABZ Studios, New York City, early 1960s✨📸🎞️

As we move into holiday week, we’re happy to share this fun moment of Aunt Ann with her sister Betty and poodle Muffin 🐩❤️🎄

Ann’s studio was the first of its kind, and Betty — mom to president Elizabeth Corley — worked alongside her for many years. Such joy seeing the sisters celebrate behind the glass studio panel after a successful holiday shoot 🍰❄️🥮

12/09/2025

We had such a great time at the first “open” Vetri Cooking Lab at the Teaching Kitchen! 🫑

With guidance from Vetri educators, local high schoolers prepared delicious veggie fajitas, homemade tortillas, fresh pico de gallo and more. 🍋‍🟩

We’re proud to support this grantee and the incredible work they’re doing for students and communities. Thanks so much for having us! 🍅

11/10/2025

So inspired after visiting at PS 216 Arturo Toscanini in Brooklyn — where students are growing, learning, and connecting through food and sustainability. 🫜

President .corley loved seeing the former chicken coop repurposed for propagation. (The chickens have retired upstate! ) 🐓

We’re honored to support Edible Schoolyard NYC and can’t wait to visit this spring. 🌱

10/29/2025

We loved visiting the 5th grade class at Barnard Elementary School in Washington, DC with Table For Two. From a hands-on Japanese-inspired cooking lesson to learning about healthy eating, these students are empowered to make smart choices and build healthy futures. We’re proud to support this wonderful nutrition education program. 🍱🍙🥢

12/31/2024

As part of our annual special giving, we're proud to support Kenosha Forgotten Friends— president Elizabeth Corley made her annual visit this fall. Learn more about our connection to this wonderful organization that helps animals in need. 🐕🐈

Read about Kenosha Forgotten Friends, one of the organizations that we support through our annual special giving.

04/20/2024

Ann, styling for Sealtest ice cream, late 1950’s.

More than a half century later, the February 2011 edition of PDN included a profile of the food stylist Nir Adar:

"As he was trying to get into styling for photographers, he met and observed Ann Zekauskas, who was 'the only one' styling ice cream…. He asked her if he could try his hand at scooping ice cream and says she was amazed at how quickly he was able to get a good scoop. 'I think she realized that she would have to compete with me one day,' Adar recalled. 'And I realized that she was really the only person in the industry for years.'"

Throughout her career, Ann was a mentor to food stylists, photographers, and others in the industry. She continued to work well into her 80s, for print and digital media, with every type of food — and always with ice cream. 🍨

07/12/2023

We are delighted to support Field to Table Institute - SCC, which brings together culinary, agriculture, and healthcare, teaching the concept of going directly from the field to the table, and the connection between farming, food, health care, and quality of life.

In addition to their college credit programs, the Field to Table Institute also offers community-based courses in food, gardening, health and sustainability. On a recent visit, VP John Akscin toured the farm and their facilities and met with school leadership to discuss the exciting new program.

06/22/2023

Last week, Board Trustee & VP John Akscin visited with the leadership at Ozarks Technical Community College. With grant funding from , the school is renovating the culinary arts program kitchen lab and classroom, which will include the installation of 12 new 6-burner gas ranges (pictured). These upgrades will improve kitchen efficiency and sightlines for faculty and students.

As part of the visit, John was presented with a framed copy of the article about Ann and the foundation that was recently published in their annual report.

Thank you for a lovely visit! We are so happy to see the results of our support and look forward to visiting again!