OUR IMPACT
Our collaborative, systems-based approach creates lasting change in our community.
Annual impact 2024–2025
We strive to rebuild our local food system so it can adapt to a changing climate, celebrate local approaches and traditions, ensure growers and food business’ viability, increase positive health outcomes, and connect community members through local food.
By the numbers
493
Hours of hands-on gardening, food, and nature based learning opportunities
5,000
Pounds of fresh, healthy food grown and donated
475
Students inspired through garden programs
9
Teens and young adults gained skills and earned income or college credit through internships
48
Local entrepreneurs who used our kitchen to grow their businesses
$95,045
In revenue earned by farmers producing value-added foods in the kitchen
5,357
Seed packets distributed
Beyond the numbers
Our impact goes far beyond pounds of food donated or hours of classes taught. Students, interns, farmers, volunteers, and artisans gain skills, confidence, and connections that grow stronger communities and a more resilient local food system.
100% of students eat what they grow and try the foods they help cook.
100% of interns and apprentices gain clearer career goals and a stronger sense of community.
100% of farmers participating in seed-saving mentorship continue to save seeds on their farms.
100% of regular volunteers gain full-circle gardening knowledge, from planting to harvesting, within weeks.
100% of farmers participating in the value-add kitchen program gain increased sales and customer engagement.
From our community
Youth say…
“I enjoy everything about being here, mostly gardening, and learning to make new foods. Like, you all teach us how we can make a lot of different foods with the same things from the garden. With just a little bit of stuff we can make a lot of food.”
Morgan, 12
Interns say…
“Interning at Working Food during my last semester at UF was an absolute HONOR! If you love science, nature, food, sustainability, being outdoors, connecting with kids and teens, and making a difference, Working Food is a perfect fit.”
Zoe, Youth Education Intern
Farmers say…
“We've collectively upped all of our seed numbers. All the while, we're collaborating and strengthening regionally adapted varieties, reinforcing the network around saving local seeds for local farmers. I am so grateful for Working Food's role in this community and I'm really happy to be a part of it."
Bridget Karam, Siembra Farm
Join us in growing a just food future. Every gift of time or resources makes a difference.
Join us in growing a just food future. Every gift of time or resources makes a difference.
How we measure impact
We measure impact using both qualitative and quantitative methods:
Talking to growers and community members
Asking students what they learned and experienced in surveys, questionnaires, and conversation
Asking caregivers what changes they see at home in their kids
Observing behaviors in classes, workshops, and events
Collecting numbers of services (pounds of food, classes, volunteer hours, etc) delivered and the number of people reached to demonstrate our reach
Our definition of success
These questions help us evaluate how our programs are benefitting individuals and the community:
Are growers learning new skills, adopting new methods, growing their businesses, working together, and seeing financial success?
Are youth learning about food, trying new things, and gaining opportunities?
Are the right tools, educational resources, and seeds easy to find?
Can people get fresh food grown nearby?
Do programs create space for people to work together, share, and celebrate?
Want to learn more? Read our blog post about our process of reflection.
Dive deeper
Our team
Behind every garden planted, seed saved, and fresh local food shared with our community is a dedicated team of staff, board members, interns, and volunteers. Meet the people who bring passion, skills, and heart to our work.
Our network
We don’t do this work alone. Meet the farmers, schools, nonprofits, and neighbors who make our mission possible. Together, we’re building a resilient food system and stronger community connections.