From Mangos to Movement: Why We Keep Showing Up

It’s been a big few weeks for Access to Fresh. But as I reflect on the last 48 hours—sourcing, packing, and delivering 325 bags of fresh produce (that’s 6,500 servings!)—I’m reminded why we do this work.

We don’t just deliver food. We deliver connection, joy, and healing.

This week, I had the honor of working alongside Bola Adeshina from The Peace Workout—our newest board member and a force of nature. Watching her lead a class with kids who had never jump roped before… and then seeing 50 of them jump, breathe, laugh, and talk about fruits and vegetables? Pure magic.

We also heard tough news: our UF/IFAS nutrition educator partners are losing their jobs due to funding cuts. And yet, their biggest worry is the youth they serve. That’s who we fight for.

Here’s what happened this week:

  • 6 kids tried a mango for the first time—and loved it
  • We delivered 6,500 servings of fresh produce
  • We launched a new program with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and the YMCA
  • We were reminded that this is community-powered work

We’ll keep showing up. With real food—not processed items—grown by neighbors, harvested from backyard trees, and packed with care.

And yes, delivering across the county gave me time to reflect (and listen to Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead).

Her words reminded me to lead with empathy, listen more, and trust that small actions create big change.

I’m here for all of it!