For many food-insecure families, accessing food — especially healthy food — is a daily struggle. Food pantries can be limited in number or in the quality of food they offer. In New York City’s five boroughs, Feed Forward is working to change that by connecting communities with healthier options.
Meg Savage, Feed Forward’s Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer, arrived at this mission after a personal health crisis. While working in corporate America she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, which transformed her relationship with food and inspired a new direction in her career. Driven to improve access to nutritious food, Meg partnered with Winston Chiu and Elizabeth Peralta Foxwell during the COVID-19 pandemic to launch Feed Forward. Their goal: harness technology and practical innovation to meet the real needs of communities facing food insecurity.
Feed Forward aims to build a healthier, more sustainable food economy through programs, products, and consulting services. Each vertical is designed to improve access to nutritious food, strengthen local supply chains, and create lasting, community-centered solutions.
“Essentially, we view ourselves as the bridgemakers and the connectors.” – Meg Savage (06:35 – 06:38)
The organization’s More Than A Meal program was among its first initiatives. Using technology, the program matches people and families experiencing food insecurity with meals and groceries nearby. After enrolling, participants are paired with a restaurant or grocery within walking distance and can order and pick up meals. This model reduces time spent waiting in lines and ensures recipients can access food that suits their needs and preferences.
Feed Forward also partners with technology companies that apply tools such as blockchain to increase sustainability, transparency, and affordability across food supply chains. These tech solutions help trace sources, reduce waste, and lower costs — factors that make healthy food more attainable for underserved communities.
The consultancy arm of Feed Forward advises organizations of all sizes on ways to contribute to a more equitable food system. Consulting projects often focus on community impact, operational sustainability, and integrating programs like More Than A Meal into existing business models. Because Feed Forward’s three verticals intersect, clients commonly adopt one or more of the organization’s programs, creating broader community benefits.
Individuals can support Feed Forward in everyday ways. Meg encourages shoppers to look for the Feed Forward logo at local grocers and choose those stores when possible. The aim is to create retail partnerships where a portion of sales supports programs like More Than A Meal, reinforcing a cycle that benefits local communities.
How to get involved
- Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week.
- Reach out to the team — they welcome conversations about where you are in life and business. Find contact details on the podcast site.
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