I started working at Retaaza because I saw something deeply broken in our food system. Farmers across Georgia were sometimes forced to plow perfectly good crops back into the ground when markets shifted, while families nearby struggled with hunger. 1 in 7 Georgians, including 1 in 5 children, facing food insecurity. It didn’t make sense that abundance and need could exist side-by-side.
At Retaaza, we bridge that gap. We buy surplus food directly from local farmers, produce that might otherwise go to waste, and redistribute it through businesses, organizations, and food access programs. This helps farmers earn fair income, reduces waste, and makes fresh, local food more affordable for everyone. Every box of food we deliver represents more than just a meal, it’s a connection between people, communities, and hope.
My drive for this work comes from growing up in a community where people took care of one another. I’ve seen how one small act like sharing a meal, lending time, creating opportunity can ripple outward. Those experiences shaped my belief that lifting others up is not just kindness; it’s how we build stronger, more resilient communities.
What keeps me working here are the moments when I see the impact firsthand: a farmer who no longer worries about wasted crops, a family that can now enjoy fresh produce, a community that feels supported and seen. Through this work, I’ve learned that giving back isn’t about charity, it’s about connection and shared purpose.
To me, lifting others up is a core part of who we are as a community. Our strength lies in how we look out for each other. When we invest in our neighbors and our communities, we create a future where everyone has a seat at the table, and that’s something truly worth working for.
At Retaaza, we bridge that gap. We buy surplus food directly from local farmers, produce that might otherwise go to waste, and redistribute it through businesses, organizations, and food access programs. This helps farmers earn fair income, reduces waste, and makes fresh, local food more affordable for everyone. Every box of food we deliver represents more than just a meal, it’s a connection between people, communities, and hope.
My drive for this work comes from growing up in a community where people took care of one another. I’ve seen how one small act like sharing a meal, lending time, creating opportunity can ripple outward. Those experiences shaped my belief that lifting others up is not just kindness; it’s how we build stronger, more resilient communities.
What keeps me working here are the moments when I see the impact firsthand: a farmer who no longer worries about wasted crops, a family that can now enjoy fresh produce, a community that feels supported and seen. Through this work, I’ve learned that giving back isn’t about charity, it’s about connection and shared purpose.
To me, lifting others up is a core part of who we are as a community. Our strength lies in how we look out for each other. When we invest in our neighbors and our communities, we create a future where everyone has a seat at the table, and that’s something truly worth working for.