Food insecurity continues to impact children and families across Memphis, making access to nutritious meals more critical than ever. At FeedWells, our mission is to bridge this gap by providing locally sourced, student-curated meals that not only nourish but also educate and inspire. Through strategic partnerships, hands-on programs, and a commitment to quality, we are transforming the way students experience school meals—one plate at a time.
A Student-First Approach to Nutrition
At the heart of FeedWells is our commitment to prioritizing student voices in meal planning. We conduct student surveys, host taste tests, and create food councils within our partnered schools to ensure that the meals served are not only nutritious but also enjoyable. By incorporating student feedback, we have successfully increased school meal participation rates from 30% to 100% within just two weeks of program implementation.
Bridging the Gap with Locally Sourced Ingredients
FeedWells partners with Memphis-based farms to bring fresh, locally grown produce directly to school cafeterias. Our investment in two local farms allows us to serve high-quality ingredients while also teaching students about sustainable farming. Through farm learning activities, students get firsthand experience with hydroponic and traditional farming methods, connecting them to the food they eat and the people who grow it.
Expanding Culinary Education and Workforce Development
Beyond providing meals, FeedWells is shaping the future of Memphis’ culinary workforce. We offer dual enrollment culinary courses, allowing high school students to earn curriculum credit while gaining hands-on experience in food service and nutrition. Students interested in staying in Memphis to pursue careers in the culinary industry benefit from training with our team of professional chefs, preparing them for real-world opportunities in the food service sector.
Recognized Impact and Community Engagement
FeedWells’ dedication to fighting food insecurity has earned national recognition. We provided over 20,000 daily meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, totaling more than 5 million meals served to date. Our efforts have been acknowledged by The White House, highlighting our role in advancing child nutrition and food equity.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Food Equity
FeedWells is more than a school meal provider—we are an advocate for systemic change in child nutrition. Our long-term vision includes influencing legislation to allocate more resources and funding for student meal programs nationwide. Through our nonprofit, FeedWells Cares, we continue to educate communities on healthy eating and wellness, ensuring that every child has access to the nutrition they deserve.
As we expand our reach, FeedWells remains dedicated to revolutionizing student dining, engaging students in their food choices, and building a healthier Memphis. Together, we can create lasting change—one meal at a time.
This blog was written by Casey Ryan
Casey Ryan is part of FeedWells, a Memphis-based organization dedicated to tackling food insecurity and transforming student dining. As a key member of the team, Casey has played an essential role in advancing FeedWells’ mission to provide locally sourced, nutritious meals while educating students on healthy eating habits.
Under the leadership of their CEO, Casey and the FeedWells team have served millions of meals, increased student meal participation, and earned national recognition, including acknowledgment from the White House. Through innovative programs and partnerships, Casey and the team continue to drive meaningful change in Memphis and beyond.
