Our vision is simple – a world without hunger. Working towards this goal, we strive to create sustainable urban food systems that provide affordable, healthy food to those in need. We believe that building strong communities around food helps create a better world for everyone. Our programs are designed to address hunger and food insecurity in many ways, from growing community gardens to providing food education and entrepreneurship opportunities. Join us today in our mission to feed hunger and make a difference!
Building Sustainable Urban Food Systems
ABOUT FEED HUNGER NOW
EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT
We utilize hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic technologies to provide locally grown, high-quality produce to those who need it most. We are committed to spreading awareness of sustainable agriculture methods and empowering individuals to take action in growing their own food to combat food scarcity. As we continue to evolve and grow, we strive to build partnerships with universities and other organizations to make our mission a reality. Join us in our mission to end world hunger through sustainable agriculture practices and community outreach.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN FOOD GARDENS
Our flagship garden, located at the Rescue Outreach Mission in Sanford FL, is the cornerstone of our efforts to provide sustainable and healthy food to those in need. We are dedicated to expanding our gardens nationwide, partnering with medical centers, educational institutions and other organizations to bring fresh produce where it’s needed most.
SUPPORTING GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
As a nonprofit organization, Feed Hunger Now is committed to supporting new entrepreneurs with the resources and knowledge they need to build their sustainable venture. We provide opportunities for individuals to learn, grow, and succeed in their business while also making a difference in the fight against world hunger.
PARDEEP K. VEDI
Founder
A Rotarian whose passion is helping establish sustainable local food gardens utilizing recirculating water farming methods such as Aquaponics, Aeroponics, and Hydroponics. He is a maverick in the food growing system designs that he incorporates in his quest for “More Crop Per Drop.”
He is a strong advocate of increasing locally grown food while utilizing the smallest carbon footprint while increasing food security, reducing hunger, and improving overall health. He strongly believes in inspiring, educating and encouraging others to join him in this mission.
NISHA VEDI PAWAR
Director
Nisha Vedi Pawar is the creator of Love Laugh Mirch, a digital platform for all things related to culture, family, food, and day-to-day life. What started as a way of celebrating Indian cooking, evolved into a journey of cultural immersion and exploration. Over the years she has partnered with global brands to drive awareness with diversity-driven campaigns. Her work has been featured in NBC, NPR, and Buzzfeed while her recipes have been featured in magazines around the globe. Nisha is a strong advocate for community and personal gardens, irrespective of size (in both suburban and urban environments), and believes they are contributors to healthy communities.
DUSTAN SMITH
Director
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KRIS MITTAL
Director
Kris Mittal is retired from a long career in project management, executing turnkey fossil and nuclear power projects in the US and overseas. He is a licensed PE and certified PMP. He also served as a Patent Examiner in the US Patent and Trademark Office. He received his BSEE from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani and an MBA from New York University.
Kris is taking a lead in supporting girls education and skills based training for girls attending a school in India.
CATHY ELLIOTT
Director
Cathy, a Rotarian, grew up in Vero Beach, FL. Her family was in the Citrus industry. She is employed with USA Agribusiness & ERP, a software company serving the Produce industry for over 35 years. They develop software to provide clients with information on growing, packing, inventory, sales, shipping, accounting, and paying the growers. Her sister company is an Agribusiness platform for companies and suppliers to share their information in a collaborative way. Cathy enjoys the outdoors, especially camping and appreciating nature both at the local state and National parks.
Lynette Knight RN, BSN, M.B.A.
Retired Perioperative Surgical Director
Prior Owner/CEO of Transitional Housing for the Homeless
Board Member
Lynette is an accomplished, innovated, and result-driven medical leader. With over 40 years of experience working as a registered nurse, administrator, and director in the hospital and outpatient surgical environment. Eager to contribute a unique array of result-oriented capabilities to Feed Hunger Now, a progressive community non-profit organization.
Lynette is a seasoned medical professional with over 40 years of experience in the medical industry working as a registered nurse, administrator, and director in the hospital and outpatient surgical environment. She has held leadership roles in top medical institutions overseeing clinical staff members and working with physicians across many surgical disciplines and all departments within the perioperative arena.
Lynette coordinated cutting edge surgical procedures and executed multiple capital projects which led to the revamping of multiple perioperative departments. She served on multiple hospital exploratory boards in the implementation of new service lines and procedures.
As a business owner, homelessness within the city has been a main passion of hers. She developed and opened multiple transitional homes to house the homeless. Working with many local agencies to provide housing, emotional support, direction to training and employment and self-sufficiency.
As a dedicated gardener, Lynette volunteers currently for Feed Hunger Now, dedicating her expertise to combat food insecurity while uplifting community health. Her current passion is to serve and assist the underprivileged while providing nutritional food for this often-forgotten community.
RCHARD SCHWARTZ
Board Member
Richard Schwartz, originally from New York City, moved to Central Florida in 1962. He graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 1980 with a degree in Banking & Finance. Richard has over 45 years of experience in the printing industry and is currently Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Creative Printing & Publishing in Sanford, Florida.
He is deeply involved in the community, having served as Man of the Year at Congregation Ohev Shalom, past president of its Men’s Club, and a past vice president of fundraising for the Jewish Community of Greater Orlando. Richard also holds leadership roles with BNI, where he was named Director of the Year in 2021, and serves on the advisory board of the University of Florida Judaic Studies Program.
A dedicated volunteer, Richard coordinates Ma’Asim Tovim, which provides meals for the homeless in downtown Orlando, and serves on the board of Feed Hunger Now. He has been married to his wife Sharan for 41 years, and they have two sons and a granddaughter. Richard’s goal is to motivate, educate, and be a positive role model to everyone he meets.
DONATE TODAY
Your donation makes a significant impact on our mission of creating a world without hunger. At Feed Hunger Now, we are dedicated to inspiring the building of sustainable urban food systems. Every dollar you donate goes directly towards achieving this goal. Join us in making a difference today!
