The Community First Grant Program supports nonprofits focused on long-term fresh, healthy food access and nutrition education that are engaged with Team Members. This includes community gardens, mobile markets, healthy cooking classes and more.
Since 2016, we have awarded 477 grants in 161 cities, investing over $3.4M. Nearly 288 Team Members from 153 Whole Foods Market stores and all Store Support offices have participated! Meet the 2024-2025 Community Partners and Team Members:
CALIFORNIA
Marie Denny | Store Trainer | Queen Store | Honolulu, HI
With three years of experience at Whole Foods Market, Marie understands that Core Values are not just words — they are actions — and she is committed to creating experiences where Team Members see firsthand “the why” that drives Whole Foods Market’s purpose. Marie secured a Community First Grant for Oahu-based Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi which is committed to providing sustainably farmed fresh produce from taro and breadfruit to papayas and bananas. The farm also offers educational visits, cultural workshops, and community workdays. They strive towards a future where people can have meaningful cultural connections with the land that are educational and rewarding. Maria hopes this partnership will foster opportunities for Team Members to connect with Hawaiian traditional farming practices.
“Together through hands-on experiences, we have the opportunity to make a direct impact on our community and grow a healthier and more sustainable future by creating long-term lifestyle changes that could be passed down through generations.”
Ryan Johnson | Team Leader | Del Mar Store | San Diego, CA
The Berry Good Food Foundation, Inc.
A Team Member for two decades, Ryan secured a second Community First Grant for The Berry Good Food Foundation, Inc. which supports a local and regenerative food system in San Diego. The grant will help fuel new programming for the local senior community with a special focus on Section-8 senior housing developments. Program initiatives include cooking classes and community gardens. Ryan has been volunteering with Berry Good Food for nine years and has seen the joy senior programing has brought to the community.
“Working for Whole Foods Market where the number one focus is to provide healthy food, it’s front of mind to take this one step further and find ways to support our neighbors. My fellow Team Members and I have been proud of the work we’ve been doing in our community in partnership with Berry Good Food, and we’re excited to continue this relationship and reach yet another demographic in 2025 — seniors.”
Justin Williamson | Store Trainer | Del Mar Store | San Diego, CA
Justin has been a Team Member for a decade and is forging a relationship between the Del Mar Store and Chef Angels. The organization is dedicated to uplifting, educating, and inspiring the community’s underserved, foster, at-risk, and unhoused transitional age youth between 16-25 years old. Programming includes hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations by chefs and culinary industry professionals. The goal is to teach healthy cooking habits, inspire participants to pursue careers in the culinary industry, and empower them with life-changing possibilities. Justin is eager to support these efforts through the Community First Grant program.
“Nutrition education for kids goes a long way to improve lifestyles. Chef Angels is empowering them to pick up a skillet and learn how to cook. It’s an amazing skill to have. It’s awesome to think that opportunity with Chef Angels is opening their minds to cooking and new ideas about food that will lead to healthier humans!”
CENTRAL WEST
Maanasi Balakrishnan | Store Trainer | Paradise Valley Store | Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation: Agritopia Farm
Local First Arizona Foundation (Heart and Soil People’s Garden)
Maanasi has been a Team Member for two years and is driven to put Whole Foods Market’s purpose — to nourish people and the planet — into action. As a first-time Community First Grant participant, she successfully secured grants for Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation: Agritopia Farm and Local First Arizona Foundation (Heart and Soil People’s Garden). Both the urban farm and community garden are strengthening the local food systems, cultivating community, and advancing neighborhood wellness. Maanasi is eager to volunteer within her community. As she begins her relationships with both organizations, Mannasi is seeking to learn more about growing food and make community connections. She is also committed to engaging fellow Team Members to see how they can make a difference together.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with Mother Nature, helping communities, learning from the people I meet, connecting, and going to bed with the satisfaction of knowing I did something FOR others by volunteering my time. I am extremely grateful for being a Team Member at Whole Foods Market where TM voice matters and we, as Team Members, have opportunities to nominate local organizations, make a difference and help nourish communities. ”
Haley Benes | Store Trainer | Laurelhurst Store | Portland, OR
Haley has been a Team Member for 12 years and is a returning Community First Grant participant. She is excited to begin working with her community partner Zenger Farm, a first-time Community First Grant grantee and former Whole Kids Garden Grant recipient. The working urban farm models, promotes, and educates about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development, and increases access to fresh, healthy food. Haley is impressed with how the farm gives to the local community in a multitude of ways and looks forward to exploring how the store can evolve the partnership.
“Expanding fresh food access is so important to me and my fellow Team Members, and it’s important for us to fulfill a mission that is not only in line with our personal values but the values of the company. Making sure that these Community First Grant nonprofits are supported helps to keep Whole Foods Market fulfilling in their Core Values and mission.”
Freddie Cavazos | Specialty Team Leader | Cityline Store | Richardson, TX
Freddie has been a Team Member for a decade and is a returning Community First Grant participant. He has a strong relationship with Restorative Farms, which works to promote food security and improve the well-being of South Dallas’ underserved communities. Its programming focuses on growing crops and fostering agricultural entrepreneurship. As Freddie points out, they regenerate the earth as well as the human spirit. Restorative Farms is a four-time grantee, and the Cityline Store has been volunteering with his partner every quarter for several years. During this grant cycle, Freddie hopes to inspire more Team Members to join in.
“To be able to get our hands in the dirt is sometimes what we all need. I have Team Members asking me when the next volunteer day will be, and I want to be able to give them what they want, and keep the Whole Foods Market culture alive.”
Caroline Freedman | Principal Program Manager of LPLP | Store Support Office | Austin, TX
Mobile Loaves & Fishes’ Community First! Village: Genesis Gardens
Caroline has been a Team Member for two years, but her relationship with her community partner Mobile Loaves & Fishes’ Community First! Village: Genesis Gardens was established much earlier. She has been volunteering with its parent organization Mobile Loaves and Fishes for more than six years. Caroline believes the Community First Grant program is another way to invest in their work and create deeper ties. The organization provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for people coming out of chronic homelessness. Their on-site Genesis Gardens spans more than 10 acres and includes organic vegetable production, hundreds of fruit– and nut–bearing trees, chickens, bees, an aquaponic and hydroponics greenhouse, and more.
“It is important because access to fresh, healthy food is not equitable despite the fact that all humans deserve to have it! We aim to partner with and provide financial support to organizations that are helping address and reverse this inequity.”
Ellen Gorra | Business Development | Store Support Office | Austin, TX
After joining the Business Development team at Whole Foods Market a year ago, Ellen began volunteering at The Refugee Collective’s 20-acre organic farm with Team Members.
This is the fifth Community First Grant for The Refugee Collective. Ellen looks forward to continuing Whole Foods Market’s support of the farm, which creates livelihood opportunities by reconnecting refugees from traditional farming cultures to land in their new communities and increases food access through regenerative agriculture. The organization’s food access programming centers refugee farmers as the drivers of change in their communities.
“I enjoyed learning about the opportunities The Refugee Collective provides to refugees — both by cultivating culturally desired produce to those who have relocated to Texas and by creating agricultural livelihood opportunities. My fellow team members and I appreciate the fresh, healthy food that we have access to and like to support other communities that need help accessing this type of produce.”
Katie Korneta | Cake Decorator | Chandler Store | Chandler, AZ
Horizon Health and Wellness Inc. (Earth Heart Park & Community Garden)
Katie has been a Team Member for two years and is spearheading the partnership with Horizon Health and Wellness Inc. (Earth Heart Park & Community Garden) in neighboring Apache Junction. With a dedication to sustainable agriculture and community engagement, the garden brings together the expertise of Master Gardener volunteers, passionate gardeners, and community partners to both teach people how to grow organic produce and make fresh, healthy food available to those in need. Katie is looking forward to volunteering and learning about gardening while helping her community too.
“I found out about the community garden from social media. I was very impressed by the mission and wanted to help, so I got in contact. My goal is to help Earth Heart Community Garden reach more community members. We have a ton of people in our community who are on a strict budget, and I think everyone deserves to have access to fresh produce.”
Mikey Muniz | Store Support Team Member | Fremont Store | Portland, OR
Mikey has only been a Team Member for a year and has already secured a Community First Grant for Portland Fruit Tree Project. His community partner is driven to increase equitable access to healthful food and strengthen communities by empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of city-grown produce. The organization believes fruit trees can be powerful tools to build a better Portland, and Mikey believes the Fremont Storecan help through the Community First Grant program.
“Every day I see customers in our store making difficult choices about what food they can and can’t afford, and in some cases, having to sacrifice healthy options based on their budget. This grant funding will allow Portland Fruit Tree Project to provide more resources to ensure the health of the community orchard and ensure the fruits of their labor are being enjoyed by those who need it most.”
Lee Robinson | VP, Assortment, Space, and Forecasting | Store Support Office | Austin, TX
Lee is taking the reins on Whole Foods Market’s partnership with the Sustainable Food Center, which has pursued the mission of fostering sustainable food security for nearly five decades. Lee has been a Team Member for 14 years and serves on the Sustainable Food Center’s Board of Directors and the Finance Committee. He volunteers for several hours each month and wants to support their mission through the best use of his skill set to drive impactful change to Central Texas. This is Sustainable Food Center’s third Community First Grant.
“The mission and purpose that we serve to nourish people and the planet at Whole Foods Market plays a huge role in influencing the industry. There are also millions of U.S. citizens that Whole Foods Market does not service. Smaller, grassroots efforts through nonprofit organizations create a network of service to these populations, which is so important to instigating long-term change.”
Barbi Smith | Associate Store Team Leader | Bellingham Lakeway Store | Bellingham, WA
As a Team Member for 16 years, Barbi believes that easy access to nutritious food is a basic human right and the backbone of Whole Foods Market. This is the second year she has secured a Community First Grant for Twin Sisters Market, which works to increase access to fresh, healthy food and support the small farmers. After volunteering with the mobile market last year, Barbi saw firsthand how their efforts benefit the local community, and she is committed to amplifying her support by continuing to volunteer and engaging more Team Members.
“We need more avenues to healthy food and more support for the people growing it. The more people learning how to eat nutritiously, growing their own food, and supporting their local food chain, the better! And the more people that engage in their local food supply, the more secure that supply is, which benefits everyone.”
MIDWEST
Eve Armstrong | Customer Service and E-Commerce Supervisor | Lexington Store | Lexington, KY
A new Community First Grant participant with seven years of experience at Whole Foods Market, Eva secured a grant for Seedleaf. The community gardening organization provides horticultural training and supports gardening and small-scale farming in Lexington’s urban spaces. Eve points out that many Team Members are dedicated to supporting areas of Lexington with limited access to affordable, fresh, and healthy foods. The long-standing community partnership between Seedleaf and the Lexington Store underscores this commitment. This is Seedleaf’s sixth Community First Grant, and it will fund infrastructure updates in its free, you-pick community garden in the North Pole community.
“Gardening and farming have always been a large part of my life including supporting my family’s farming efforts and volunteering with Seedleaf for two years. I find great joy in connecting with my fellow Team Members and look forward to creating a brighter future for my community.”
Bethany Brakemeyer | Customer Service and E-Commerce Supervisor | West Lane Store | Upper Arlington, OH
Bethany believes that nutrition education and access to fresh, healthy food should be accessible to everyone. As a first-time Community First Grant participant and Team Member for one year, she quickly identified a local nonprofit that both aligns with her values and Whole Foods Market’s too. Her partner Kitchen of Life is dedicated to volunteer-driven, culinary arts programming that provides hands-on, interactive collaborative experiences aimed at building long-lasting skills and helping to foster connection, health, and resiliency.
“My goal for engaging with Kitchen of Life is to be able to volunteer at least once a month and also hopefully get more friends and Team Members involved, along with making it a volunteer opportunity for the Columbus metro area. I love cooking, teaching, improving teamwork, and helping to engage and mentor people, so I am very excited for this opportunity to combine all of these factors!”
Ann Coconate | Store Trainer/Culture Champion Ambassador | Park Ridge Store | Park Ridge, IL
Ann’s community partner Just Roots Chicago helps local families develop a deeper understanding of the connection between diet, nutrition, and health outcomes while sharing skills and resources to help them integrate healthier foods into their diet. This mission profoundly resonates with Ann, whose diet consists primarily of plants. She is thrilled at upcoming opportunities to volunteer and participate in workshops and is already working to establish Team Members volunteer events. Ann has worked at Whole Foods Market for eight years, and this is her first time participating in the Community First Grant program.
“I want to serve others and to be a part of a community that genuinely cares about people and their access to fresh and healthy food. One that educates and inspires. I want to make a difference in the lives of others by sharing my passion for vegetables and fruit and how they have positively impacted my body and mind.”
Connie Eger | Store Trainer | Louisville Store | Louisville, KY
As a returning Community First Grant participant and a Team Member for 13 years, Connie is inspired by Whole Foods Market’s mission to nourish people and the planet and recognizes there’s always more Team Members can do. Her partner Parks Alliance of Louisville is transforming 15 acres in West Louisville into an agriculture innovation hub to create job training opportunities in agriculture and urban farming and increase access to fresh food through urban farming and farmer’s markets, all while beautifying the neighborhood.
“Partnering with programs and initiatives that wrestle with and seek to resolve the challenges of our food-insecure communities empowers us to deliver on our mission and engage in the process of nourishing people and the planet – right here, right now. Expanding fresh, healthy food access promotes healthy growth of body, spirit, family, and community; it’s fundamental to the spirit of the work we choose to do as Team Members.”
Christian Galtieri | E-commerce Team Leader | Lexington Store | Lexington, KY
A Team Member with 14 years of experience, Christian secured a Community First Grant for FoodChain, a four-time grantee and long-term community partner of the Lexington store. The local nonprofit forges links between its community and fresh food through direct food access, accessible food literacy programming, and an indoor aquaponic farm. Christian alongside more than a dozen Team Members volunteer with FoodChain four or more times a year.
“My goal with our Foodchain partnership is to bring awareness to others about the needs of our community. Lexington has a wide variety of people from all different walks of life and income brackets. I not only want to bring awareness to our Team Members, but our entire community. There are so many great nonprofit programs that don’t get enough recognition for the work they do. They are underfunded and underappreciated. Raising awareness of their missions and the needs of the community is my goal.”
Gennaro Galtieri | Senior Field Associate | Store Support Office | Cincinnati, OH
Gennaro secured a second grant for Northside Common Market, which is dedicated to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting food entrepreneurs, retail entrepreneurs, and service-based entrepreneurs. He is looking forward to evolving this relationship because it aligns well with Whole Cities’ goals and his passions around expanding healthy food to the community. Gennaro has been with Whole Foods Market for 14 years and is a returning Community First Grant participant.
“Our goals in working with Northside Market are to assist them in growing the educational portion of the program through direct volunteer work and to serve as a conduit between the market and our existing community grant partners in the area. We aim to assist in the installation of the fresh food market in the new location by volunteering for hands-on opportunities and being available as a resource of guidance for potential vendors and farmers.”
Robert Herbert | Store Trainer | Fayetteville Store | Fayetteville, AR
Robert secured a Community First Grant for Spring Creek Food Hub, which connects farmers and community, putting local food on local tables. By providing education, technical assistance, and supply chain access for local farmers, they move food to where people eat, shop, work, and play, ensuring healthy food access. Robert believes this is an innovative and well-needed concept that is bridging the gap between local farmers, fresh produce, and underserved communities and hopes to help amplify their efforts.
“I would love to assist in any way I can with Spring Creek Food Hub and further their reach to more businesses and individuals in the area so that we can continue to increase healthy food access across the Northwest Arkansans area. If there’s a way that I can connect and influence the right people to assist with Spring Creek’s mission, then I want to make that happen!”
Amy Kroner | Store Trainer/Culture Champion Ambassador | Wexford Store | Wexford, PA
The pandemic opened Amy’s eyes to a new level of food insecurity when she watched cars line up for miles waiting to get supplies from food distribution centers. Through the Community First Grant program, she hopes to support opportunities that expand access to fresh, healthy food. Her partner Food Assistance Match addresses food security challenges while supporting the enterprises and communities of southwestern Pennsylvania at farmer’s markets, including Bellevue Farmers Market where Amy has started to volunteer. She has been a Team Member for eight years and is the store’s Culture Champion Ambassador.
“I found Food Assistance Match when I started a search for area nonprofits that meet the criteria for the Community First Grant. The more I learned about Food Assistance Match, the more my excitement grew. I am drawn to their desire to reduce food insecurity while treating customers with the dignity they deserve.”
Brenden Lake | Store Support Supervisor | Olathe Store | Olathe, KS
Branden, a Team Member with two years at Whole Foods Market, was drawn to Cultivate Kansas City and the Community First Grant program because he would like to do something beneficial for the community around him. By increasing farmers, vegetable farms, and healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods, Cultivate KC helps to change the environmental context to build a sustainable and healthy local food system for all. Brenden is eager to volunteer and learn about the urban farming practices that Cultivate KC utilizes.
“My goal is to raise awareness and interest in Cultivate KC because many of our Team Members have values that align with them or have experience with gardens and farming. I want to make Cultivate KC a common name for our Team Members so the organization can become just as much a part of life at Whole Foods Market as our jobs themselves.”
Ryan Masters | Store Team Leader | Akron Store | Akron, OH
Ryan has been with Whole Foods Market for 15 years and is forging a new relationship between the Akron Store and Akron Urban Agriculture, which believes access to affordable, nutrient-rich foods are essential to developing real community. They have acquired vacant lots around Akron to provide resources for underserved residents and have started a farm as a demonstration site to modernize local and regional farming practices. Akron Urban Agriculture also offers education and training opportunities for gardeners, farmers, ranchers, and residents. In addition to advancing local access to fresh, healthy foods, Ryan hopes that this partnership will enhance the store’s impact in the community and reach new and current shoppers.
“As Store Team Leader, I have committed myself to advancing access to healthy foods, access to education on healthy eating, and access to all in my community. Akron Urban Agriculture focuses on these same things. This is a great match for us.”
Ron McCann | Associate Store Team Leader | Dublin Store | Columbus, OH
Ron has been a Team Member for 11 years and is a returning Community First Grant participant. He secured a fifth grant for Franklinton Farms, a highly productive urban farm that provides fresh food access, sustainable urban agriculture, neighborhood gardening education, safe natural spaces, and ecological beautification. Ron has been engaging with Franklinton Farms for several years. He and fellow Team Members have been weeding the gardens, harvesting vegetables, and planting butterfly gardens. He hopes that during this grant cycle, he can further promote camaraderie amongst the store and his partner.
“The Community First Grant empowers us as Team Members to affect real, lasting change for food insecure areas in our own backyards. Franklinton Farm’s mission aligns with our Core Values as a company and provides limitless ways for us to give back in the communities we live and work in.”
Ben Demey | Lead Receiver | Uptown Minneapolis Store | Minneapolis Store | Minneapolis, MN
Ben has been a Team Member for 17 years and is tapping into the potential of a Community First Grant. His partner, Gethsemane Community Garden, is a first-time grantee with nearly two dozen private garden plots and a community giving garden where anyone can help themselves to produce. Each season, garden members grow and donate hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to community members in need. By working with the garden, Ben looks forward to seeing another side of the food justice efforts in the Twin Cities to better inform the work he and his fellow Team Members are doing in the store.
“In my role as Store Receiver, I have been engaging with our local community partners involved in the food donation program. Through those partnerships, I have seen the need and demand for good quality food, especially fresh produce.”
John Mick | Store Team Leader | Evanston Store | Evanston, IL
A Team Member for nearly two decades, John secured a second Community First Grant for Evanston Grows, a collaborative nonprofit whose mission is to increase healthy food access, promote food literacy, and advance health equity by building a local fresh food system that is strong, just, sustainable, and resilient. He points out that Community First Grant funds can invigorate the relationship by helping the organization add a large hoop house to increase long-term access to fresh, healthy food in Evanston.
“As Whole Foods Market Team Members, we are committed to nourishing people and the planet and that is a Core Value that Evanston Grows exemplifies daily. I have been volunteering with them for two years. All the hard work is so rewarding when you see the people that can’t afford to buy produce receiving high quality food from their gardens.”
Paige Miller | Store Scanning Specialist | Kansas City Store | Kansas City, MO
For the third year in a row, Paige has secured a Community First Grant for George Washington Carver Farm. A Team Member for 14 years, she believes that the farm provides a significant opportunity for community connection in addition to fresh, healthy produce. Paige regularly purchases produce from the farm to support their efforts to be a thriving and sustainable source of food, community, and healing for Kansas City’s East Side. During the past two years, she has witnessed the impact Community First Grants have made on George Washington Carver Farm. She is dedicated to continue serving as the primary liaison between the store and the organization to help the partnership flourish.
“I feel strongly that our partnership with George Washington Carver Farm and other community partners is an integral part of keeping our Core Values and culture here at Whole Foods Market Kansas City alive.”
Dave Niemiec | Produce/ Floral Team Member | Madison Store | Madison, WI
Neighborhood House Community Center
Dave’s goal during the grant year is to manage and evolve the relationship between the Madison Store and his community partner Neighborhood House Community Center. He has been volunteering with the organization for a year supporting their efforts to create a healthier community by reducing food insecurity and promoting education and direct access to nutritious foods. Dave has been a Team Member for two decades and firmly believes in Whole Foods Market’s purpose to nourish people and the planet. This is his first time participating in the Community First Grant program. The grant funds will support the creation and expansion of the nonprofit’s The Quality Snacks Initiative and Local Food Education programming.
“I am deeply moved by the efforts put forth by the Neighborhood House Community Center team. The audiences they are reaching and goals align with Whole Foods Market’s Core Values and mission.”
Steve Patterson | Associate Store Team Leader | South Bend Store | Mishawaka, IN
Steve, a Team Member for 17 years, has engaged with his partner Unity Gardens for several years thanks to a decade-long relationship between the South Bend Storeand the organization. The store regularly has around 10 Team Members sign up to support volunteer opportunities with Unity Gardens, and Steve plans to build on that momentum. He sees working with Unity Gardens as an opportunity to help those struggling with food insecurity. With one main garden and more than 40 satellite gardens around South Bend, Unity Gardens is on a mission to improve community health and intends to use grant funding to support and expand its educational and outreach programming.
“The South Bend Store has partnered with Unity Gardens since the store opened in 2013. Team Members including myself have volunteered time by working in the gardens spring, summer, and fall. Additionally, we have volunteered to support fundraising events over the years of our partnership.”
Ge Song | Legal Team Regulatory Counsel | Store Support Office | St. Louis, MO
As an attorney on Whole Foods Market’s regulatory legal team, Ge’s work is centered around achieving the highest quality and compliance of products sold in stores. Through her work on nutrition claims and benefits, Ge is convinced that both fresh, healthy food and nutritional education should be widely available. Guided by Whole Foods Market’s purpose to nourish people and the planet, she nominated two local nonprofits that are helping to build thriving local food systems and grow community health. It is Operation Food Search’s third Community First Grant and Ujima’s first Community First Grant. Ge, a returning grant participant, has volunteered with both partners and hopes to inspire metro Team Members to join her.
“Through engaging with these community partners, I hope to live Whole Foods Market’s vision, spread the word of this vision, and engage with local Team Members at the stores.”
Kadie Staine | Store Team Leader | Wheaton Store | Wheaton, IL
As Store Team Leader, Kadie is very passionate about getting Team Members involved in the community and has been working towards creating at least two volunteer events per quarter. She has been volunteering with The GardenWorks Project for a couple of years helping their efforts to improve the well-being of the community, environment, and those facing food insecurity. Kadie is a returning Community First Grant participant with more than 25 years of experience at Whole Foods Market.
“I love The GardenWorks Project supporting our community with multiple facets of promoting organic suburban agriculture. Not only do they have raised plant beds for volunteers to garden, they also create a space for local farmers to donate their excess grown food to be distributed in food pantries across our community. The GardenWorks Project empowers, educates, and supports all food growers in their efforts to nourish their families and neighbors in need.”
NORTH ATLANTIC & INTERNATIONAL
James Clancy | Associate Store Team Leader | Hingham Store | Hingham, MA
James has worked with Whole Foods Market for 17 years and has been involved with his community partner Weymouth Food Pantry for more than five years. The relationship between the organization and Whole Foods Market started even earlier — it has spanned nearly a decade. James hopes to grow support to the point that the Weymouth Food Pantry and Whole Foods Market partnership becomes ubiquitous. This is the fourth year James has participated in the Community First Grant program.
“Since beginning my work with Whole Cities, my perspective increased to include the challenges our fellow community members face getting access to fresh nutritious food. I have volunteered and worked with grant partners, and it has changed my core beliefs. If we can help to teach and provide for the most vulnerable in our community, we will all gain from it. Expanding food access to the underserved improves the entire community.”
Teresa Fishlin | Store Trainer and Culture Champion Ambassador | Hingham Store | Hingham, MA
This grant cycle kicks off Teresa’s relationship with Friends of Holly Hill Farm, a nonprofit organic farm with an educational mission and a six-time Community First Grant recipient. A Team Member for 12 years, she is looking forward to spending time on the farm throughout the seasons planning, planting, supporting upkeep, and harvesting. Teresa believes in investing in her local communities. Her goal is to volunteer at the farm at least 16 to 24 hours per quarter.
“Their mission is close to my own. I have spent years working for Whole Foods Market in the Produce and Floral department teaching Team Members where and how the foods that is on their plates have come to be. I would be excited to increase my education within their Friends of Holly Hill Farm programming and working alongside them to feed the community.”
Julie Lustig | Store Team Leader | West Vancouver Store | Vancouver, BC
A Team Member for 18 years and returning Community First Grant participant, Julie is dedicated to being an advocate for community engagement and credits Whole Foods Market’s Growing with Purpose 10-year vision as her inspiration. Her partner Cedar Cottage Food Network is working toward more sustainable and just food systems at the neighborhood level. They encourage residents in the Cedar Cottage neighborhood to take part in different levels of food systems by providing programming, tools, and opportunities for community connections.
“By helping to connect the resources available through Whole Foods Market Foundation to the great work being done in our city, I feel like I’m doing a small part to help nourish people and the planet. By working on partnership opportunities like one through Whole Cities, we can also help connect Team Members to our community and Whole Foods Market’s higher purpose.”
Matthew McCall | Store Trainer | Bellingham Store | Bellingham, MA
Matthew has been with Whole Foods Market for six years and is passionate about the company’s food impact. As a Green Mission Ambassador and a liaison between local nonprofits and food banks, he participates in the store’s food waste reduction, food rescue, and redistribution initiatives. Now, he is participating in the Community First Grant program in hopes that he can help show people that they have the power to grow their own food, learn about nutrition, and be the healthiest version of themselves. Matthew nominated The Food Project.
“I want to be part of the good. I want to be able to look at what we accomplish with The Food Project and know that we helped feed the people who need it and helped people learn how to grow food, how to take some of their future in their hands, and mold it to a positive outcome.”
Erika Pollock | Store Trainer | South Windsor | South Windsor, CT
Through the Community First Grant program, Erika is spearheading a new store relationship with Forge City Works’ social enterprise The Grocery on Broad. Erika, a Team Member for seven years and returning Community First Grant participant, explains that healthy food access is her driver at Whole Foods Market. The Grocery on Broad is a neighborhood market increasing access to fresh, healthy foods and other essential staples that are often missing from corner stores. It is also dedicated to enriching lives through job training and creation. Erika is determined to tap into Team Members’ excitement about community engagement to help this partnership flourish.
“We recently opened our South Windsor Store, and we have many seasoned and new Team Members who are interested in community outreach. We are so fortunate to have Whole Foods Market Foundation and have ways to give back to the community.”
Mike Risitano | Associate Store Team Leader | Bedford Store | Bedford, NH
Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success
Mike worked for several months to launch the community partnership with Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success, which aids in the resettlement of refugees and immigrants by providing assistance, training, resources, and opportunities that promote self-sufficiency. Community First Grant funds will support classes on nutrition, meal planning, and cooking to empower immigrant and refugee families with the knowledge to make healthier food choices with an emphasis on cultural relevancy. Mike, a Team Member for three years, is looking forward to volunteering and cultivating a solid partnership with the store. He is hopeful that fellow Team Members will also lend a helping hand.
“Everyone should have access to healthy choices and foods. My goal is to continue to grow what Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success has been doing since 2005. There are many refugees and immigrants out there that need our assistance.”
NORTHEAST
Jayann Alexander | Shift Leader | Bryant Park Store | New York City, NY
With this Community First Grant, Jayann is investing in the New York City metro stores’ long-standing relationship with WE STAY/Nos Quedamos. While she is new to the grant program and to working with her partner, she is committed because she believes that advancing fresh, healthy food access in her community is critical. During her store’s Culture Connections Meetings, she often shares how Whole Foods Market’s sourcing and products impact the community. The Community First Grant offers a way to help expand that fresh food access to underserved populations. This is the sixth Community First Grant for WE STAY/Nos Quedamos. The organization plans on investing the funds into efforts to expand their green rooftop into a vital food production site.
“I’m interested in partnering with We Stay/Nos Quedamos because I believe high poverty areas need better fresh, healthy food access and to be better educated on healthier eating habits.”
Ousmane Balde | Produce/ Floral Associate | Store Team Leader | Bryant Park Store | New York City, NY
Ousmane has been a Team Member for 12 years and believes expanding fresh, healthy food access and nutrition education is important because of their direct connection to personal wellness. He is excited to begin working with Ellie Fund because it allows him to contribute to Whole Foods Market’s Core Values. The local nonprofit fights breast cancer and provides free services to ease the effects on patients and families. The locally led nonprofit will invest grant funds to expand and improve nutrition education programming aimed at instilling a healthy-eating mindset for patients and their families.
“My goal is to see my community partner successful and be able to expand healthy, fresh food access and make an impact to the lives of others. I think I will enjoy gaining experience with Ellie Fund, making connections with people, and serving the community.”
Michael Greene | Associate Store Team Leader | Midtown East Store | New York, NY
Michael has been a Team Member for six years and is now taking the reins on Whole Foods Market’s partnership with FamilyCook Productions, a four-time Community First Grant recipient. He has been working with the organization for a couple years when FamilyCook program participants visit the store for tours, nutritional talks, and demonstrations. Grant funds will support the nonprofit’s Culinary Health Education Force program, which provides training, mentoring, and connection to a wide range of food industry roles and entry-level job experiences for young adults in underserved communities.
“Food is at the center of what we do, and as such access to fresh healthy food resonates with me as well as our Team Members at the Midtown East Store. My goal with this partnership is for these young adults to learn more about healthy food, how to cook, and gain valuable skills they can use to get a job or just make healthy food for their families.”
Denise Kick | Store Trainer | Manhasset Store | Manhasset, NY
Denise, a Team Member for two years, believes that access to fresh, healthy food should be available to all. She has been volunteered with Queens County Farm Museum alongside several Team Members from the Whole Foods Market metro stores, and she is loving it. As a returning Community First Grant participant, Denise would like to continue to build community within her store and neighboring Whole Foods Market stores by coming together in service of Queens County Farm Museum. She points out that these volunteering experiences provide hands-on opportunities for Team Members to learn more about regenerative agriculture.
“I am most excited about getting together with Team Members from the Manhasset Store and other nearby stores, being outside and connecting with the earth, doing something positive for both the community and the environment, and helping to provide healthy food for all. We are looking forward to another great year of working together!”
Endy Massillon | Store Team Leader | Upper East Side | New York, NY
Endy has been a Team Member for 15 years and was inspired to participate in the Community First Grant program to make a positive impact in the community, help those in need, and contribute to a cause he cares about. BronxWorks has been operating for over 50 years with the mission of improving the economic and social well-being of underserved Bronx residents. Grant funds will support health and nutrition programming. Endy is eager to work with his partner and knows other Team Members are too — especially those raised in the Bronx.
“Promoting access to fresh and healthy food aligns with our Core Values. By advocating for initiatives that improve food equity and availability in underserved communities throughout New York, we can help address food insecurity and promote social justice. Ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food options empowers individuals to make healthier choices, break the cycle of poor nutrition, and lead more fulfilling lives.”
Ayesha McNeill | Store Trainer | Williamsburg Store | Brooklyn, NY
As a Culture Champion Ambassador with six years of store experience, Ayesha feels responsible for keeping the Whole Foods Market’s culture alive. Spearheading new and evolving existing community partnerships through the Community First Grant program exemplifies those efforts. Ayesha believes that supporting her three partners with grants expresses the Core Value: We care for the community and the environment. Her goal is to gain knowledge, volunteer, and make a lasting impact in the quest for healthy food access. This is the third Community First Grant for Project EATS and the first grant for both The Connected Chef and Oko Farms.
“The expansion of heathy food access is important to me because it grows knowledge about healthier foods. There’s an abundance of people who have food insecurities, but having access to healthy foods should be a basic right, instead of being reserved for a privileged few.”
Melisa Niane | Store Team Leader | Kentlands Store | Gaithersburg, MD
After Melisa began volunteering weekly with Community FarmShare, it didn’t take her long to grasp the impact of their efforts to make healthy, culturally relevant food more accessible to residents within Montgomery County while also supporting local farmers. Community FarmShare is investing the grant funds into its mobile market FARMacy, which serves communities facing the highest challenges of healthy food access. The mobile markets offer free choice selection of produce, which encourages residents to consume more produce, as well as reduces waste. Melisa has been a Team Member for a decade, and this is her first time participating in the Community First Grant program.
“Food really is medicine. Many of my Team Members remember when they first came to this country how difficult it was and what a difference someone made for them. We’d like to pay it forward.”
Tamara Noel-George | Specialty Order Writer | Williamsburg Store | Brooklyn, NY
Hattie Carthan Community Foodways
Tamara has been a Team Member for two years and is now taking the lead on the store’s relationship with Hattie Carthan Community Foodways. She is excited to begin volunteering with the local nonprofit because she sees them as a source of support for her community. Tamara’s goal for this grant year to both help her partner expand its efforts and to build a long-lasting partnership between the Williamsburg Store, Team Members, and the local community. This is Hattie Carthan Community Foodways’ third Community First Grant.
“Hattie Carthan Community Foodways is a staple in the Brooklyn community, but many of our Team Members are unaware of scale of the organization’s work in their own backyard. I hope to be the connector between Hattie Carthan and Team Members — to educate Team Members and to provide Hattie with even more volunteers to promote and spread their mission.”
Christopher Plaza | Store Team Leader | Yonkers Store | Yonkers, NY
A Team Member for nearly two decades, Christopher secured a fourth Community First Grant for Bronx Community Farm Hubs, a community-based network made up of community gardens and urban farms. He has been working with his partner for a couple years and is often joined by a dozen or more Team Members. Christopher believes that supporting the Bronx Community Farm Hubs allows the store to help nourish the community and promote Team Member happiness.
“We enjoy partnering with Bronx Community Farm Hub and supporting their mission of bringing beautiful food to the community of the Bronx and the neighborhood where the community garden is located. It’s really fun to bring Team Members from our store out to help prepare and grow food and see their faces light up as they get their hands in the earth and connect with the garden and nature.”
Emmanuel Romero | Store Team Leader | Massapequa Store | Massapequa Park, NY
Emmanuel has been a Team Member for 16 years and wants to expand the Massapequa Store’s reach as it provides the community with healthy foods. So, when presented with the opportunity to support his Community First Grant partner, he didn’t hesitate. Harmony Cafe focuses on strengthening community health by providing wellness programming and access to nutritious foods through a judgment-free approach and inclusive safe spaces. Emmanuel sees the partnership as an opportunity to make a difference in the community, deepen the store’s commitment to nourishing surrounding neighborhoods, and fulfill Whole Foods Market’s vision of Growing with Purpose. He plans to engage fellow Team Members through quarterly volunteer events. This is Harmony Cafe’s first Community First Grant.
“Our store talks about how we can support our community in different ways whether it’s with volunteering or donations. It’s important for us to show that we are here for the community.”
Margot Sansone | Associate Store Team Leader | Williamsburg Store | Brooklyn, NY
Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation
A returning Community First Grant participant, Margot has been with Whole Foods Market for 14 years. She has volunteered with her partner Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation for several years because metro area stores support the organization’s East New York Farms! project, which addresses food justice by promoting local sustainable agriculture and community-led economic development. Margot is hoping this Community First Grant will help evolve the partnership and amplify the nonprofit’s impact in the community.
“No one should ever have to go without access to fresh, healthy, nutritious food. It is extremely imperative that as a group, we make sure that never happens. I also believe education about food is important, whether it be learning how to prepare a healthy meal or even growing your own crops. This is why is it so important to partner with organizations that work to make this happen.”
Ruby Schleifer | Prepared Foods Team Leader | Brooklyn Store | Brooklyn, NY
Isabahlia Ladies of Elegance Foundation
Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation
A Team Member for eight years, Ruby jumped into the Community First Grant program by securing grants for three New York City-area nonprofits: Isabahlia Ladies of Elegance Foundation, Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation, and Rethink Food. She is just beginning to work with the organizations and is looking forward to getting the store’s Prepared Foods Team involved too. This is the fifth Community First Grant for both Isabahlia Ladies of Elegance Foundation and Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation and the first grant for Rethink Food, a long-time Whole Foods Market metro area community partner.
“I frequently organize team-based volunteer events, and the Prepared Foods Team is looking for new places and things to do to serve the community. I think we have a lot to offer to the community in terms of teaching, helping, and spreading the wealth of knowledge Whole Foods Market provides to us.”
Vincent Sciolla | Associate Store Team Leader | Bowery Store | New York, NY
Vincent has been with Whole Foods Market for five years, and this is his second year nominating Brooklyn-based Seeds in the Middle. Grant funds will once again support its Lloyd Porter Culinary program, a partnership with local chefs to teach culinary arts and entrepreneurship to at-risk youth while providing fresh, delicious, nutritious meals and access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. This developing partnership provides volunteer opportunities that align with Team Members’ interests and talents and allows them to share culinary tips and produce information.
“Whole Foods Market is the cornerstone for healthy food access in multiple communities, and Brooklyn is no different. It’s incredibly important that education and health awareness is brought to the forefront of people’s minds. As produce leaders, we embody that daily with our selection and product knowledge. I want to be able to give back to the community each and every day.”
Brittany Tyler | Store Trainer | Bryant Park Store | Brooklyn, NY
Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice
Brittany just started working with six-time Community First Grant recipient Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, and she’s already captivated by the organization’s commitment to creating a supportive environment that allows individuals to thrive in an underserved community. She believes that guaranteeing universal access to fresh, nutritious food is crucial for personal health and for the shared prosperity and wellness of the entire community. Grant funds will support programming that advances access to affordable, fresh produce and provides health-focused activities like healthy cooking demonstrations and gardening workshops. Brittany has been a Team Member for three years. This is her first time participating in the Community First Grant program.
“My aim in engaging with Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice is to help educate and empower ourselves and others about the significance of healthy eating habits, nutrition, and food justice. Collaborating with this community partner enables us to forge robust relationships within our community.”
SOUTHEAST
Adrian Brendle | Store Trainer | Winston-Salem Store | Winston-Salem, NC
S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation
Adrian, a Team Member for three years, believes everyone should have access to fresh, healthy food and the knowledge to help cultivate, harvest, and cook with it. They recognize their community partner S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation provides the opportunity and knowledge to grow healthy organic produce to community members and also serves as a safe space that fosters fellowship. The locally led nonprofit is applying grant funds towards purchasing hoop houses and low tunnels for year-round growing, as well as increasing their community presence and outreach efforts, especially with Spanish-speaking neighbors. Adrian hopes that they can generate more volunteer options for Team Members through the partnership.
“I’m drawn to give back to our surrounding community here in Winston-Salem and to bring back those experiences to my store and Team Members. I want to live our Core Values, not just speak on behalf of them.”
Julie Browne | Team Member Services Business Partner | Store Support Office | Asheville, NC
With a decade of experience at Whole Foods Market, Julie has already been volunteering with her grant partner Bountiful Cities, a driving force in Asheville dedicated to teaching sustainable agriculture skills and sharing resources to promote social justice, economic viability, and community resilience. Over the past couple years, she’s helped in their gardens and supported their annual garden tour and summer fundraiser. Many Team Members are familiar with Bountiful Cities’ work in the community, and Julie feels confident that they will join her and volunteer too. Grant funds will support the expansion of Bountiful Cities’ seedling and plant production program. Julie hopes that the grant will also help increase awareness.
“Food access is a human right. I personally already volunteer with the organization I am nominating because of the work that they are doing to help increase food access, grow food, and provide cooking classes within our community.”
Samantha Chavez | Associate Team Leader | Winter Park North Store | Winter Park, FL
4Roots Farm
Samantha, a Team Member for five years, secured a Community First Grant for 4Roots Farm to benefit the community and her fellow Team Members. She believes that equitable access to fresh, healthy food is transformative for individuals and communities. By forging a relationship with 4Roots Farm, Samantha hopes to create volunteer experiences that will provide opportunities for Team Members to learn more about healthy eating, how to grow food, and how nourishing foods can change lives. She sees the partnership as a good way for Team Members to see Whole Foods Market’s purpose in action.
“I enjoy volunteering with 4Roots Farm because they provide very educational hands-on projects from composting to gardening to events. They provide the community with a lot of resources that give people accessibility to new ways of eating and living that they previously were not accustomed to. The impact they’re making has potential to grow tremendously as time goes on.”
Robert Collins | Grocery Team Member | Wilmington Store | Wilmington, NC
A Team Member for two years, Robert is driven by the understanding that sustainable access to healthy, fresh, affordable food directly and positively affects communities in long-lasting ways. His experience with Northside Food Cooperative runs deep — he is a founding member, collaborates in planning, and participates in community events. The organization is opening a community-owned, full-service grocery store to increase access to nutritious, affordable food, foster community resiliency, and interrupt the cycle of multigenerational poverty within Northside Wilmington. Northside Food Cooperative has two main community events: a weekly farmer’s market and community dinners aimed at breaking class and race barriers while fostering unity. The Community First Grant funds will support the youth-led Community Dinners program and a new Vender/Workforce development program for farmers market vendors.
“My goal is to help give direct and impactful monetary help to reach Northside Food Cooperative mission.”
Kimberly Dawson | E-commerce Team Member | North Raleigh Store | Raleigh, NC
Turning Point Community Development Corporation
This is the second year in a row that Kimberly has secured a Community First Grant for
Turning Point Community Development Corporation. She’s been engaged with the nonprofit for more than five years and currently participates in the monthly walking group, monthly exercise session, nutrition classes, and cooking demonstrations. In addition to making financial donations, Kimberly also volunteers at their annual Community Day and Community Fall Festival. Whenever help is needed, Kimberly wants to serve. During this grant cycle year, she aims to volunteer for at least 24 hours per quarter and plans to inspire friends, family, and Team Members to join her.
“My involvement with Turning Point CDC is in its commitment to improving the lives of the people in our rural community while encouraging education for all age levels, as well as health, whole body wellness, and mental and spiritual growth to entire families.”
Dolly Fields | Store Team Leader | Tallahassee Store | Tallahassee, FL
Dolly, a Team Member for 11 years, secured another Community First Grant for Red Hills Small Farm Alliance. She has been engaged with the nonprofit for several years and became more active in the past year. In addition to helping plan their annual fundraiser, she was a consultant on new policies and vendor agreements. She credits Whole Foods Market leadership training with helping her in that role. The Tallahassee Store wants to help facilitate change in its community by partnering with organizations like Red Hills Small Farm Alliance that make healthy food access part of their mission.
“It has been exciting to see Red Hills Small Farm Alliance grow from very grassroots to progressing to reach more people in the community. This grant year will bring opportunities for more volunteers at their hub to assemble orders and learn about more small, local farms.”
Nkenge Graham | Store Trainer | Veterans Store | Metairie, LA
Sankofa Community Development Corporation
Nkenge learned about Sankofa Community Development Corporation in a news article and discovered it was a match for the Veterans Store’s commitment to nourishing people and the planet. He believes the nonprofit has done a remarkable job serving New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward community. Community First Grant funds will support two key initiatives: The Fresh Start Market and the Sankofa Community Garden, both which focus on enhancing long-term access to fresh, healthy food and providing comprehensive nutrition education. Nkenge has been a Team Member for 19 years.
“Team Members at the Veterans store are interested in how and where we can go to make our impact felt. We are concerned about the high costs of food and how our community will be able to feed themselves and their families. We believe that Sankofa is a community partner that will help New Orleans bridge the gap for food insecurities.”
Dan Hancock| Associate Store Team Leader | Asheville Store| Asheville, NC
Dan has been a Team Member for 20 years and believes that healthy food access strengthens individuals and helps build stronger communities. He secured a Community First Grant for Southside Community Farm in hopes of both deepening community relations and helping the organization achieve its goals. As a Black-led project in a historically segregated Black neighborhood, the farm seeks to prioritize the needs of Black people and other community members of color while celebrating diverse cultures and foodways. Its expansive programming is dedicated to filling food access gaps in the Southside neighborhood.
“Southside Community Farm first contacted us about donations this year. I responded with information about how we could help and began to research what the organization was about and what they had achieved. As someone who thinks that all people should have access to fresh and nutritious food, I became excited about the possibility of gaining support for Southside.”
Michelle Mac Arthur | Store Trainer | Lake Norman Store | Hunterville, NC
Michelle is looking forward to working with her community partner Plum Gardens , which
is committed to providing the West Charlotte community with high quality, locally sourced goods, while also fostering a sense of community through education and engagement. Grant funds will help advance its container gardening program. The program is dedicated to enhancing access to fresh, healthy food and providing practical nutrition education. Michelle is eager to support this program because community gardens bring people together to grow food for their families and neighborhoods, improve people’s quality of life, advance community health, and have a positive impact on the environment too. Michelle has been with Whole Foods Market for eight years, and this is her first time participating in the Community First Grant program.
“Through this partnership with Plum Gardens, I hope to educate, become educated, create awareness, bring the community together, and have healthy, engaging fun.”
Nancy Mitchell | Store Trainer | Knoxville Store | Knoxville, TN
Nancy has been a Team Member for 16 years and is a returning Community First Grant participant. She credits Whole Foods Market with raising her awareness about the importance of healthy food and believes it is imperative that everyone has access to it. With the mission of advancing community health by helping to improve fresh, healthy food access, Nancy nominated Nourish Knoxville for its first Community First Grant. She is tapping into the Knoxville Store’s active TMAG group to help bring this partnership to life.
“My goal is to gain knowledge and understanding of how Nourish Knoxville cultivates healthy communities by supporting relationships between local farmers, producers, and the public. In addition, I would like to learn more about their involvement in SNAP doubling and other nutrition incentive programs at local farmer’s markets, as well as local food and education events.”
Rhonda Mitchell | Store Trainer | Midtown Tampa | Tampa, FL
Rhonda had only been with Whole Foods Market for a year when she secured a Community First Grant for Sweetwater Organic Farm . As a Store Trainer, she was in search of a community partner that has similar values to Whole Food Market. There is a shared interest among Team Members in farming and gardening, so she was specifically looking for a local farm where they could volunteer and dig their hands into soil. Rhonda is setting out to create a long-standing partnership and believes this relationship will increase Team Member morale, community awareness, and engagement. Her goal is to volunteer with Sweetwater Organic Farm once a quarter.
“During conversations with Team Members, we are constantly thinking of ways that we can continue the mission of nourishing people — it starts with us! We know that having access to fresh food shouldn’t be a luxury and reserved for only select people.”
Damiya Peebles | Whole Body Team Trainer | Raleigh Store | Raleigh, NC
Damiya secured a Community First Grant for Raleigh City Farm after learning about it from a fellow Team Member. The urban farm connects and nourishes the community through regenerative agriculture. The grant funds will support the Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC) Farmstand. The PWYC Farmstand is open seasonally and offers healthy, nutrient dense food at an affordable price. Damiya has been a Team Member for 15 years, and this is her first time participating in the Community First Grant program. Her goal during the grant year is to gain knowledge and share it with her store.
“Whole Foods Market is committed to nutrition and education for ourselves, customers, and the community. A garden is such a special place where you learn about the community it serves and how to grow food. In addition to this, people have access to fresh produce and vegetables for themselves and their families.”
Amy Rodgers | Lead Receiver | Germantown Store | Germantown, TN
Impact Northaven Community Garden
Amy has been a Team Member for 25 years and has been volunteering with Impact Northaven Community Garden for several years. Amy is drawn to helping the Northaven community because it has limited access to fresh foods and the closest grocery store is over four miles away from the garden. Some Team Members have already expressed an interest in volunteering with her, and she hopes to inspire more to join. Her goal in securing the Community First Grant is to help the organization expand their harvest and add water access for dry seasons. The grant will fund garden equipment, supplies, a water system, and help support events.
“I enjoy helping Impact Northaven Community Garden plant fresh foods and am able to watch the process from beginning to end. I have spent the last few years helping plant and tend to the garden, as well as harvesting and sharing with the community.”
Cindy Thomas | Team Leader| McEwen Store | Franklin, TN
Cindy has been a Team Member for 19 years and was volunteering with The Nashville Food Project before the pandemic. She is excited to reignite her relationship with the organization. Nashville metro area Team Members have volunteered with The Nashville Food Project, and Cindy wants to build on this momentum. The organization has two kitchens and three community garden sites. Cindy points out that the different spaces offer diverse types of volunteer experiences that appeal to Team Members’ varying interests. She is committed to volunteering twice a quarter — once in a kitchen and once in a garden.
“The Nashville Food Project does all the things — grows their own food and teaches others to how to garden, prepare, and enjoy healthy food, and provides access to those who just don’t have time or ability to do these things by themselves.”
Tracy Zambito | Customer Service and E-Commerce Team Leader | Palm Beach Gardens Store| Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Riviera Beach Community Development Corporation
Tracy has been a Team Member for 25 years, and this is her second time securing a Community First Grant for Riviera Beach Community Development Corporation. She has been supporting the organization’s garden program since spring of 2023. Tracy’s goal is twofold: She wants to help provide healthy food access to the surrounding community and hopes to learn more about gardening’s best practices like companion planting. Grant funds will be invested into a series of community workshops focused on hands-on cooking experiences, plant propagation, seed saving and trading, and more.
“I generally spend Wednesday mornings at the garden watering, weeding, and harvesting. I have been able to share this experience with Team Members and customers. The feeling of giving back to the community is the reason I like to volunteer there. The faces of the community just light up when they see the harvest for the day.”
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