05/26/2026
What started as a question I kept asking myself — and could never find a logical answer to — was:
“Why is there so much fresh food being wasted while children and families struggle every day without enough food to survive?”
I dreamed of a world where food is treated as sacred. A world where communities work together to ensure fresh food reaches the people who need it most.
It all started with my very first recovery: bagels from Panera Bread. As I drove to donate the food, my entire Accord was filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and sesame. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of purpose in my soul.
Over time, that dream became reality.
Through the dedication, generosity, and compassion of countless people throughout our community, a movement began to grow. I wish I could name every single person whose impact helped make 30 million pounds of recovered and donated food possible — but it would take days.
What I can say is this: it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to witness thousands upon thousands of people step up to help their community.
There is still so much work to do in the fight against food waste and hunger, but today I simply want to say thank you. The problem may not disappear overnight, but the impact of your kindness and efforts is endless.
Congratulations to everyone who has helped make a difference through this organization.
Happy 15th Birthday, Nourish Now!
Brett Meyers
Executive Director
