Meet the Drivers of Change Joining Our Development Team This Summer
This summer, two new interns will spend their days learning how stories, relationships, and community support sustain The Nashville Food Project's work across Nashville.
As members of our Development Team, Avery and Cora will experience a side of nonprofit work that often happens behind the scenes. While meals may be the most visible expression of our mission, every meal shared begins with something deeper: people. People who volunteer their time. People who invest in the work. People who believe that food can bring communities together.
For Avery, that learning begins with storytelling.
"I'm looking forward to developing my storytelling skills by helping share the stories behind The Nashville Food Project's 15 years of service and impact."
As The Nashville Food Project approaches its fifteenth anniversary this September, Avery will help capture and share stories that reflect the heart of our work. Some of those stories live in the kitchen, where meals are prepared each day. Others begin in community gardens, partner organizations, volunteer shifts, and neighborhood gathering spaces. Together, they tell the story of a city that continues to show up for one another through food.
Storytelling has always been an important part of our mission. Every meal shared, every volunteer welcomed, and every partnership formed is rooted in human connection. Through her work this summer, Avery will help elevate the voices of the people who make our work possible and the neighbors whose lives are touched by it.
For Cora, the summer offers a different perspective on how change happens.
"I am excited to learn more about The Nashville Food Project's mission and impact in the Nashville community by assisting the Development team. This internship will not only challenge me but also help me grow in my communication and research skills."
Working alongside our Development Team, Cora will help strengthen the relationships that sustain our mission. She will learn how philanthropy, community engagement, and donor stewardship work together to support The Nashville Food Project's ability to grow, cook, and share nourishing food across Nashville.
While many people encounter our work through a meal, a farmers market, or a volunteer shift, there is an entire network of supporters behind those experiences. Their generosity helps ensure that nourishing food reaches neighbors across the city while supporting a stronger and more connected local food system. Through her internship, Cora will gain a firsthand understanding of how those relationships are cultivated and sustained over time.
One of the most valuable parts of serving on our Development Team is seeing how interconnected every aspect of The Nashville Food Project truly is. The generosity of donors helps expand our reach. Volunteers transform ingredients into meals. Community partners help ensure those meals reach the people who need them most. No part of the work stands alone.
As Avery and Cora begin their summer with us, we are grateful for the curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm they bring to our team. We are equally excited for what they will learn about the power of food, community, and collective action.
At The Nashville Food Project, we believe that cultivating a more nourished Nashville requires people at every stage of their journey. Investing in emerging leaders is one way we continue building toward that future.
Please join us in welcoming Avery and Cora to The Nashville Food Project. We look forward to learning alongside them and seeing the impact they will make in the months ahead.
