Memphis Celebrates Innovation with 2024 Awards Honoring Community Changemakers

Innovation Shines Bright in Memphis

Memphis has always been a beacon for creativity and innovation, and this year is no exception. On December 10, 2024, the city eagerly gathered to celebrate the winners of the 2024 Innovation Awards, presented by Memphis Magazine. This annual event recognizes individuals and organizations that are not just dreaming about a better future but actively working to create it.

A Heartfelt Mission

One of the shining stars of this year’s awards is BreAnna Boyd, the founder and CEO of FeedWells. Boyd has dedicated her career to tackling the serious issue of food insecurity among students. With her talented team of culinary and nutrition experts, she’s been shaking up the image of school lunches for the better. Imagine this: 15,000 students in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana sitting down to free, freshly prepared meals that don’t just fill their stomachs but also delight their taste buds. Each meal is scratch-made, farm-to-table, and nutritious!

Transforming Lunchtime

FeedWells, which partners with 15 charter schools and four private schools, is registered to provide meals under several important programs like the National School Lunch Program and the Summer Food Service Program. Since its founding in 2019, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Boyd has stepped in to ensure that students get the nourishment they need to thrive. During the hardest times, her organization served over 120,000 meals to Memphis-Shelby County Schools students, partnering with local organizations like the YMCA and FedEx.

“I want to have a say in mandating and changing legislation, where every student eats free across the country,” Boyd passionately states. “Every kid should be able to get a meal when they’re in school.”

Creating Memorable Experiences

So, what exactly makes FeedWells special? It’s not just about the food—it’s about the entire experience. Boyd believes that nutrition education starts with the plate. By making lunches feel like a real dining experience, complete with white tablecloths and attention to detail, students suddenly find themselves excited about food. From yogurt parfaits to colorful salad bars garnished with rose petals, the meals are visual feasts that delight students and encourage healthy eating.

“We train team members to treat students like they are your customer walking into a restaurant,” Boyd explains. This results in meals that kids want to eat! Participation in the meal programs has skyrocketed from 30% to a stunning 90% since FeedWells came into the picture.

High Demand and Happy Faces

Kids are not just sampling the food—they’re going back for seconds and thirds! Boyd even shared some playful banter about how they take student suggestions seriously. “We have kids that are asking for two plates, three plates,” she chuckled. “Even the teachers are in on it—they eat free and bring food home!”

With each delicious bite, students are not only savoring nutritious meals but also feeling the positive ripple effects in their academic performance and overall well-being.

Innovative Days Ahead

FeedWells goes beyond the classroom experience too. They even host themed days, where students can explore a country’s cuisine. A recent Mexico-themed day brought mariachi music, piñatas, and traditional dishes to life, making lunchtime a culturally enriching experience.

Continuing the Fight Against Food Insecurity

BreAnna Boyd is not just making waves in Memphis; she’s aspiring to create national change. With a vision to continue fighting food insecurity, she hopes to play a pivotal role in ensuring that all students across the country have access to meals during the school day. Her drive is a reminder that with passion and commitment, anyone can be a force for good in their community.

As the city of Memphis celebrates her and the other award winners, it’s clear that innovation is alive and well. These leaders are pioneers, showing us all that in our quest for a better tomorrow, we can reach for the stars!