#food-access

#food-access

Many have witnessed the challenges within their neighborhoods firsthand, but for some, this need becomes a personal mission. That's precisely what Chef Aarón Sánchez has embraced through his work with Emeril Lagasse Foundation. As a chef and restaurant owner, Aarón launched a scholarship program to support young aspiring chefs pursuing formal culinary education-opening doors to mentorship, professional training, and the opportunity to transform passion into long-term careers.

"Just go, take advantage of the resources that are available to you," she advised, "Stay positive and in community." Gomez wants first-time visitors to food banks to know that staff and volunteers that work at food banks "are providing the assistance with love and empathy," she said. "There are a lot of people that have big hearts and are doing everything that we can to ensure that people don't miss meals," said Gomez.

"The whole thing happened so fast," Wise said. "I felt like I was just getting started."

Bradshaw is the founder and executive director of Dreaming Out Loud, a food justice nonprofit he began in 2008 to increase food equity east of the Anacostia River. The organization serves as a food access hub for local farmers, an incubator for food entrepreneurs, and a source of fresh and cooked food for the community through their farms and farmer's markets.

Cloman has remained a constant presence in the Richmond Farmer's Market over the 42 years since its inception, ensuring it reflects the community's heart.