A Green Bay based 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Turning surplus food into nourishment for our community
We close the gap between food going to waste and people needing nourishment through food recovery, shared meals, and practical food skills.
High-quality surplus food should nourish people, not landfills.
20% of food in Brown County ends up in the landfill, while 11.8% of our community faces food insecurity. Rooted In bridges that gap.
We recover high-quality surplus food, transform it into nourishing, individually packaged meals, share it through trusted community partners, and build lasting food skills through Food Is Medicine education.
Together, we nourish people, care for our planet, and build a community where everyone has a seat at the table.
Our
Impact
When nutritious food is recovered, it becomes real nourishment for our community. Since inception in 2023:
51,000+ pounds
of surplus food recovered.
10,500+ nutritious meals served
for $0.10 each and shared with community food access partners.
15,000+ hours
donated by over 500 volunteers.
From lived experience to a community model
Founder and CEO Selena Darrow knows firsthand what it means to struggle to meet basic needs while trying to do right by your family.
As a single mother, she stretched every dollar, navigated systems that often create barriers instead of solutions, and carried the quiet weight of asking for help. Access to nutritious food was not always easy, and the impact showed up in real ways. Energy. Health. Wellbeing.
At the same time, her career in the food industry revealed something else entirely. High-quality surplus food not reaching the people who needed it most.
That disconnect was impossible to ignore.
Rooted In was created to bridge that gap.
How Rooted In Works
We recover surplus food, transform it into individually packaged nutritious meals, share it through trusted food access partners, and build lasting food skills through culinary education.
What started as a personal mission has grown into a working model for change. Through partnerships across the community, including efforts tied to the 2025 NFL Draft and with Delaware North at Lambeau Field, we’re showing what’s possible when trust, timing, and collaboration come together.
The Model
We fill the gap between surplus food and real access to nutritious food through one integrated model:
- Recover: We recover high-quality surplus food and redirect it to nourish the community.
- Transform: We turn that food into nourishing, individually scratch cooked meals.
- Share: We get food where it is needed through trusted community food access partners and dignity-centered distribution.
- Educate: We build lasting culinary skills through hands-on evidence based Food Is Medicine principles, recipes and culinary demonstrations.
Rooted In’s end to end model comes to life through a connected set of programs:
The Glean Team
The Glean Team rescues high-quality surplus food from local partners, redirecting it to strengthen community food access and reduce environmental impact.
Nourishment for All
A dignity-centered food access program that reduces barriers, honors choice, and builds connection through nourishing food and community-centered experiences.
Chef’s Table
A hands-on culinary education program grounded in evidence-based Food Is Medicine principles that builds practical cooking skills and food literacy to support long-term health and well-being.
Powered by trusted community partnerships
Rooted In’s model works because it is built on relationships. From food recovery to distribution, we partner with local organizations, venues, and community leaders who help turn surplus food into real nourishment across Greater Green Bay
Delaware North • Brown County United Way • Resurrection Lutheran Food Pantry• Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin• Salvation Army • The Fridge• The Healthy Way Market •
Emplify Health by Bellin • Hunger Task Force • Knead Tech •
“We’re always looking for opportunities to reduce our impact on the environment while increasing our community involvement. And this partnership with Rooted In was a no-brainer.” — Ed Fritsch Koehl, Delaware North
Help move this work forward
Whether you give, serve, or partner, you help make every step of Rooted In’s model possible.
Donate
Your gift helps bring nutritious food to people who need it, builds real cooking skills, and strengthens food access across our community.
Volunteer
Volunteers make this work happen. From food recovery to meal prep and events, they turn effort into real impact.
Partner
Our partners help expand access to nutritious food, support culinary education, and strengthen our community food system.
About Rooted In, Inc.
Rooted In is a Green Bay-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2023.
MISSION
We build a “community table” where all people are nourished and uplifted.
By bringing people together, we improve access to fresh and nutritious foods as a tool for transforming health and wellbeing.
VISION
A future where all people are nourished.
OUR TEAM
Selena Darrow, Founder and CEO / selena@rootedininc.org
Alex Galt, Director of Programs / alex@rootedininc.org
Board
Selena Darrow, President
Phil Kauth, Vice President and Secretary
Amber Edwards, Treasurer
OUR VALUES
Community: We build strong supportive networks leveraging our collective genius to maximize impact, achieve lasting change, and foster a culture of belonging.
Compassion: We approach our work and community with empathy and respect, recognizing the dignity of every person, fostering a deep commitment to creating a culture of caring.
Empowerment: We provide knowledge and fundamental skills through inclusive, innovative culinary education and training. We empower individuals to shape their own path, create positive change, and contribute to a sustainable community.
Equity: We commit to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community-centered organization. We invite all individuals to join us at our table to create an environment that celebrates and respects the uniqueness of every person. Where differences are embraced, and all individuals thrive.
Resilience: We adapt and respond to challenges with creativity and persistence, always rooted in our mission to nourish and uplift our community. We make the most of what we have, finding innovative ways to turn surplus into valuable resources that benefit our community.
Rooted In Inc. 