We envision homegrown food within reach.

Fresh Food Connect grows a more local and resilient food system by connecting gardeners with their communities. Founded in 2016 in Denver, Colorado.

Our impact through 2024

4,300+Gardeners
65+Pantry partners
28States
300KLbs shared
166KNeighbors reached

1 in 10 Americans experiences food insecurity. 1 in 3 US households grows food at home. We connect them. The food exists. The growers exist. The need exists. Fresh Food Connect closes the awareness-and-connection gap.

What we believe

Community

We build on local solutions and partner with trusted community organizations. Our technology strengthens local food systems — it doesn't replace them.

Collaboration

We address systemic challenges through partnerships based on humility and trust. We engage community members authentically and transparently.

Collective action

Small contributions collectively transform food systems. We create space for broad participation — every gardener, every box, every delivery matters.

Food justice

We recognize systemic inequity in food systems and commit to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work and programs.

Our team

A small team with deep roots in community food systems.

Kayla Birdsong

Chief Executive Officer

Former Executive Director at The GrowHaus (8 years). Board advisor for Planet2Plate since 2018. Business management background, Permaculture Design certificate, Spanish speaker.

Laura Lavid

Product & Operations Director

Nearly 20 years in community food work including Denver Urban Gardens, American Community Gardening Association, and Sprout City Farms.

Carmen Alcantara

Colorado Program Manager

Community Food Systems Fellowship and Frontline Farming immersion. Background in hospitality and community connection.

Gretchen Roberts

Development Manager

15 years in Denver nonprofits. Environmental Studies (Oberlin), Regional Planning (UMass Amherst).

Adjoa Kittoe

Marketing Manager

Decade of strategic communications across food and sustainability sectors. MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler, Culinary Arts from ICE.

Board of Directors

Jack Fritzinger

President · Climate ecosystem builder

Terrance Grady

Small business finance

James Iacino

Former CEO, Seattle Fish Co. · EY Entrepreneur of Year 2016

Bill Johnson

Software Engineering Leader · Green Software Foundation

Jada McLean

Founder, Groflo & Hurry Home · Forbes 30 Under 30

Kim-Ashleigh Mostert-Freiberg

Registered Dietitian · MBA, UCLA Anderson

Ben Weinberg

Founder, Encircle · Startup veteran

With gratitude to our supporters

Anschutz Family Foundation Argosy Foundation Impact100 Metro Denver Healthy Food for Denver's Kids Morgridge Family Foundation Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger Rose Community Foundation

We are proudly GuideStar Platinum Certified.

Fresh Food Connect is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN: 82-5180956.

Join us.

Whether you grow food, deliver boxes, or fund the mission — there's a place for you.

Get started