Eighth grader Caleb EganFrei and his mother, Cindy Frei, have a solution—create these fast food favorites with whole, organic ingredients—and are working to raise $30,000 via Kickstarter to launch their business, Caleb’s Cooking Company.

 

Caleb was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease three years ago and started following a highly restrictive diet. The diet helped him feel better, but many kid-friendly foods didn’t make the cut.

 

“Since I’ve been on this diet, it’s really helped me to know I have something to eat that’s not going to cause me trouble,” Caleb said. “We created this company for kids who aren’t on this diet, but need the help.”

 

If Caleb and Frei can reach their Kickstarter goal, they will be able to hire a chef and start producing their first three meals: pizza, chicken nuggets, and bean and pork enchiladas. The meals will be frozen and easy for parents to make and reheat.

 

“(Children with autoimmune diseases) just didn’t have any food they could eat. They want to have a sleepover, but they’re embarrassed,” Frei said. “It was really the social aspects that got me thinking, ‘I’ve got to do something to help these kids.’”

 

In addition to the cooking company, there’s also Caleb’s Club, a social network Caleb created to connect young people who are dealing with autoimmune diseases.

 

“We’re not only serving food—we’re delivering a happy place for kids to come and talk to each other,” Caleb said. “Whether it’s how you feel about Crohn’s or what you’re doing on the diet, there’s someone there to talk to you about it.”

 

Frei said she’s seen her son’s confidence soar since he started leading Caleb’s Club and blogging for the company website.

 

“He feels really good about himself when he does this,” Frei said. “He’s now stepping forward and helping other kids.”

 

The Kickstarter launched Wednesday morning and features a variety of rewards, including discounts on meals, t-shirts and dinners prepared by private chefs. Click here to see the Kickstarter campaign and learn more about Caleb’s Cooking Company.