Memphis Celebrates Innovation: Meet the Change-Makers of 2024
In the heart of Memphis, where rivers meet rhythms and dreams take flight, the spirit of innovation shines brightly as we celebrate this year’s dueling passions—fighting food insecurity and changing the healthcare landscape. December 10, 2024, marks the day we honor brilliant minds and organizations that are reshaping our community for the better at the 12th Annual Innovation Awards.
The Champions of Change
Among a sea of inspiring candidates, five extraordinary individuals representing four organizations have stood out, making Memphis a better place to live, work, and play. Buckle up, because these innovators are on a mission that leaves no one behind.
BreAnna Boyd: The Culinary Queen of FeedWells
Let’s dive right into one of the shining stars of this year’s awards: BreAnna Boyd. As the founder and CEO of FeedWells, BreAnna is transforming the school lunch experience for about 15,000 students across Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Imagine a lunchroom where white tablecloths, yogurt parfaits, and rose petal garnishes are the norm. Sounds scrumptious, doesn’t it?
With a mission to tackle the guilt of food insecurity, BreAnna began FeedWells back in 2019, with the desire to provide nutritious and free meals for students. During the pandemic in 2020, when children were unable to attend school, FeedWells didn’t just sit back: they jumped into action, serving over 120,000 meals in partnership with local organizations like the YMCA and FedEx. Talk about stepping up!
School Cafeterias Get a Makeover
Gone are the days of mystery meat and soggy vegetables in Memphis school cafeterias. Instead, students are treated to scratch-made, farm-to-table meals, all while learning about nutrition in an environment that feels a lot more like a restaurant than a typical school lunchroom. BreAnna’s vision includes garnishing meals with color and enticing flavors; think delicious vegetable popsicles and customization stations where students can add their favorite sauces. Yum!
“We train team members to treat students like they are your customer walking into a restaurant,” Boyd explains. The result? A dramatic surge in student participation in meal programs, rising from 30% to a whopping 90%! Students now find themselves clamoring for not just one, but two or three plates of delicious food.
The Impact on Health and Education
But it’s not just about the food; it’s about the impact on health and academics. Proper nutrition is key to ensuring students’ social, physical, and emotional well-being. Nutrition isn’t merely fuel; it’s essential for academic performance. With filling meals provided, students can focus on what matters most: learning and thriving in school.
A Full Plate: The Extras at FeedWells
BreAnna’s ambitious goals don’t stop with regular meal programs. FeedWells offers snacks, themed days to celebrate international cuisines, and even before- and after-care meals, nurturing a sense of community in schools. Recently, the students enjoyed a Mexico-themed day complete with authentic cuisine, mariachis, and a piñata to boot! “It’s like they’re entering a different country when they walk into the cafeteria,” Boyd says.
Fighting Food Insecurity Nationally
Looking ahead, BreAnna has her sights set high. She is passionate about advocating for legislation that ensures free meals for students nationwide, stating, “Every kid should be able to get a meal when they’re in school.”
Wrapping Up
As Memphis rises to meet the challenges of the day, innovators like BreAnna Boyd and her team at FeedWells remind us all of the power of community action fueled by a genuine desire to uplift others. Whether it’s providing nourishing meals, enhancing healthcare, or fostering innovation in business, the spirit of Memphis is alive and well, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Join us in celebrating these trailblazers as we continue to share the incredible stories of those honored at the 2024 Innovation Awards throughout the month!
