By Cheryl Jerabek
The FRESH Food Hub holds an important role within the Norwood community, serving not just as a market but as a foundation for enhancing local food accessibility and supporting local agriculture.
Driven by a mission to bridge food equity gaps and back local farmers, The Fresh Foundation DBA FRESH Food Hub was Initially founded by a small group of locals, first as a co-op in 2015 and as a 501c3 in 2020. The “Hub” quickly became a nexus for quality food distribution and community support, offering seasonal community supported agriculture and farm markets and the wholesale of local food. It also operates the Norwood Food Panty, provides collaborative support to other non-profits doing similar work, and runs a pantry plot program that grows produce for donation.
“Our inspiration has always derived from food sovereignty and food equity,” stated FRESH Food Hub president Leila Seraphin. “We believe in the power of food to shape and create community. Regional food systems are paramount to a healthy and sustainable landscape and economy short and long term. Equally, we believe everyone has the right to quality food, and create programs that work to increase this access.”
The organization has five full-time employees – Leila Seraphin (president), Hannah Rossman (treasurer), Samantha Andrews (secretary), Melanie Eggers), and Galena Gleason. Four seasonal employees are also on board.
“Finding strong leadership and being competitive in the job market has always been a challenge and I think most small businesses in Norwood and the West End would agree,” remarked Melanie. “We appreciate our dedicated staff.”
Despite having a strong team of employees, FRESH Food Hub is largely dependent on volunteers.
“We invite folks to volunteer, we offer educational opportunities and do outreach at the food pantry as well as gardening for the pantry plot program,” Leila commented. “There’s lots of opportunity to learn and they get to take food home.”
The foundation’s heart to help the security, health, and prosperity of the community by making wholesome food available is a tall task that is often met with obstacles.
“We are up against the global food economy where food is cheaper if outsourced,” Leila explained. “Many of these larger farms and food operations abuse workers, abuse the landscape and poison the ecology, not to mention the quality is lower, and use of fuel and resources for travel is massive.”
Since the retail store closed in 2021, the Hub has expanded into five separate programs, all aimed at increasing the amount of local food consumption within the community.
FRESH Food Hub has proven to be a dynamic force for good in Norwood, promoting the principles of community support, sustainability, and health. Through its various programs and initiatives, it continues to make a significant impact on local food security and the viability of regional food systems. To find out more about volunteering and other ways to help, visit freshfoodhub.net, contact [email protected].or call 510-205-4550.