Meet the heads of the kitchen.
Our team is hard at work bringing more delicious moments to life everyday.
Our founder and chef, Jenna, is the owner and head chef of Amore Trattoria — a favorite local Italian spot nestled in Grand Rapids. After building such a close relationship with the community through food, she was inspired to take things out of the restaurant and into peoples’ hearts. Starting with complimentary “Food Hug” deliveries to people who could use a home-cooked pick-me-up, she started cooking up what Food Hugs could be. And today, it’s expanded into a full non-profit that is funded to deliver random acts of kindness.
Her Favorite Food Hugs Story:
We brought food to a boy and his family after he lost both of his legs to an infection. But we quickly saw there was more we could do! After talking with him, we found out his passion for Monster Trucks, and we got right to work. With a few phone calls, and funding from Food Hugs, his dream of doing a Monster Truck “Meet and Greet” was delivered!
With over 20 years of experience in Management-side Employment Law, Allison lends her legal expertise in all of our charitable ventures. She currently provides legal counsel and guidance for business leaders on complex employment and corporate compliance issues on a state, federal, and foreign level at Alticor. And she came to join the team after being inspired by Jenna’s food and our mission.
Her Favorite Food Hugs Story:
My favorite Food Hug was one that I had a direct hand in cooking with Jenna! We donated food to a family after the funeral of a loved one, and it felt so great to put in more than just funding to help a family in need. Loved it!
Throughout a 15 year friendship with Jenna, Stacey has always been an active part of the community and helping others. She’s a Clinic Director for Greenland Advanced Oral Care, and an experienced Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist. At the Food Hugs table, she brings her creative edge to the event planning and ideas space, and is constantly helping us expand how our random acts of kindness come to life.
Her Favorite Food Hugs Story:
My favorite Food Hugs moments are when I am part of delivering the gift to people and families going through a tough time. Everyone is so grateful, and you get to have time with them listening to their stories. It’s amazing!
With over 25 years of experience in Community Involvement and Customer Service, Rachel was a natural Food Hugs representative given her strong passion for making connections with people. A friend of Jenna’s, she came to one Food Hugs event, fell in love, and the rest is history. She currently works as a Customer Service / Sales Representative at Nap Industrial group, and is an integral part of growing Food Hugs.
Her Favorite Food Hugs Story:
For me, this one was personal. While traveling, I received a message that a dear friend passed away suddenly, leaving behind his wife and their two children. I texted the board just as an ask for prayers and support, but they responded offering to deliver a Food Hug for them. They got the Food Hug going, and the volunteer who delivered it happened to a co-worker of my late friend!
MJ Postma, Board Treasurer
A retired Medical Office Manager, MJ has 34 years of experience in Healthcare Management. And we do a lot of caring around here. She’s currently volunteering and helping people all around Grand Rapids, all while acting as the treasurer for Food Hugs. She’s passionate about fundraising, and giving back to the community, And we’re so lucky to have her.
Her Favorite Food Hugs Story:
Food Hugs once helped a local server get into an apartment. It was such a great experience to see how Food Hugs could positively impact peoples’ lives!
Ragean Herpolsheimer, Board Director
Having worked for Meals on Wheels for 25 years, Ragean is no stranger to the healing power of food. She got involved after being touched with Jenna’s warmth at her restaurant, and now brings her experience in Finance and Human Resources to the Food Hugs table.
Her Favorite Food Hugs Story:
Every Food Hug is my favorite Food Hug story. The human touch each one gives is absolutely amazing and my favorite part of being involved with this incredible non-profit. Giving someone a Food Hug shows that person/family that they are not alone, and that they are seen and loved.
