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Cooking for a Cause: My Journey with Together We Thrive and Reno Food Systems

Updated: Oct 16

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when people come together with a shared mission. For me, that magic unfolds every Thursday through my work with the Together We Thrive group and Reno Food Systems. Our mission is simple but deeply impactful: feed the food insecure in our community. This effort takes many forms, including delivering meals to the Little Free Pantry program, delivering fresh produce to low-income seniors where they live, and conducting Food Matters workshops at senior centers and the Reno Veterans Guest House. We even offer hands-on opportunities at the Reno Food Systems farm for seniors to get out in the fresh air and sunshine, and get their hands dirty growing food at the direction of Tom Stille of The River School.



Preparing Succotash at our most recent event, Dinner for the Revolution, held at the Reno Food Systems farm. We hosted 70 people for a fun-filled evening of eating and entertainment.



It’s hard work at times—there’s no denying that—but each time I come home, I feel so energized and fulfilled. There’s a sense of purpose and joy that flows through the people I work alongside, making every ounce of effort completely worth it.


A Gathering of Hearts and Hands

The volunteers I meet through this program are truly inspiring. Each one brings something unique to the table—different life experiences, skills, and perspectives. It’s humbling to witness how much talent and passion can converge around one goal: serving others.


Our kitchen at the Reno Buddhist Center is amazing, serving all our needs.


Jess and Meg seem to be having too much fun.


Every Thursday, we gather at the Reno Buddhist Center, where we rent a commercial kitchen to prepare meals for the community. It’s always a bit of a hustle—especially when we aim to cook and package between 50 to 100 meals—but the sense of camaraderie makes it all flow smoothly. From the sound of knives chopping vegetables to the scent of fresh herbs simmering in pots, the kitchen becomes a joyful, bustling place.



The steady chop, chop, chop has an almost Zen quality to it.


Reno Food Systems board member and Kitchen Mama, Melissa Gilbert keeps the Together We Thrive initiative going with her incredible spirit, experience and heart.


Somebody sits down and labels lids for the food of the day, which is packed into crates and delivered to the Hidden Pantries.


The smiles are genuine. The energy is astounding. The camaraderie is unbelievable.



Cooking with Care

Our meals vary, reflecting both simplicity and creativity. Some weeks, we prepare comforting, budget-friendly dishes like beans and rice. Other weeks, we indulge in more sophisticated fare, like authentic Ratatouille or pasta made with seasonal vegetables. No meal is complete without dessert—whether it’s scoops of ice cream, freshly baked cookies, or homemade cakes.


Leo Demski is our pastry wizard on Thursday.


We also make sure to include veggie packs with Ranch dressing and prepare healthy energy bites to offer nutritious snack options. Knowing that each meal we prepare is made with love and fresh, locally grown produce from Reno Food Systems adds another layer of meaning to what we do.


A Shared Meal, A Shared Hope

Delivering these meals and produce to low-income seniors and veterans has opened my eyes to the struggles many in our community face. Through the Food Matters workshops, I’ve seen firsthand how sharing food becomes more than just filling bellies—it becomes a way to build community and foster connection.



At this Food Matters workshop, a nutritionist explains how this senior population can become healthier through wise food choices, and save money with smart purchasing.


The seniors we meet aren’t just recipients of meals; they are participants in meaningful exchanges. We listen to their stories, learn from their wisdom, and create moments of joy around food. These interactions remind me that food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a form of care, respect, and community building.


Teaching this senior group at the Volunteers of America Sierra Manor apartments how to make Salad in a Mason Jar was a huge hit!


Jolene Cook - Board Director,

Local Food Ambassador & Community Outreach of Reno Food Systems - teaches seniors how to grow their own microgreens, and sends them home with growing kits and seeds.


Our delivery folks - Harper, on the left - develop friendships with the folks who are there for the produce every week.



Helping workshop attendees at the Willie J. Wynn Senior campus during a quick pickle session. "Pack those jar full up, folks!"


Smiles like this are our reward!


Reno Food Systems makes regularly weekly deliveries of the produce they grow at the farm to local senior housing communities.


I've often surprised myself with how well some of our offerings at Food Matters workshops turns out. Another surprise is how much I've learned and applied to my own home cooking!



Why It’s All Worth It

Though the work can be physically demanding, the energy I feel when I leave the kitchen each Thursday is nothing short of amazing. There’s something so satisfying about knowing that, in some small way, I’ve helped make someone’s day a little brighter.

Cooking with Together We Thrive and Reno Food Systems has shown me that when people come together with open hearts and willing hands, extraordinary things happen. It’s not just about meals or programs—it’s about hope, connection, and showing up for one another.


Preparing meals at the Reno Food Systems farm isn't without challenges - like running extension cords for my food processor - but it's so wonderful to have produce that was harvested just minutes earlier to work with!


When the volunteers meet to work at the farm, a light meal is freshly prepared and served, on-site, from the produce grown by the volunteers!


Tom Stille of The River School teaches senior volunteers how to grow their own food at the Reno Food Systems farm.



If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, I encourage you to join us. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, every bit helps. Together, we’re making a difference—one meal, one pantry, one conversation at a time.


This journey has reminded me that food is a powerful tool for change. When shared with love and intention, it nourishes not just the body but the soul. And at the end of the day, that’s what makes all the hard work worthwhile.


And, don't forget dessert!


Eat up!

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