ABOUT
Rooted in love, we’re embarking on a mission to uplift the world one fresh meal at a time.
We’ve all experienced hunger pangs from missing a meal because we were too busy rushing around and completely forgot or had no time to eat, but have you ever had to experience those hunger pangs lasting for days because you had no access to real food?
It’s something many of us are privileged enough to never have to experience in our lifetime but we can imagine how unpleasant it would be and how it would affect all aspects of our life. It’s difficult to think straight, go on about your day, or be in a good mood when all you can think about is your next meal — because “hangry” is a real thing right?
We’ve all experienced hunger pangs from missing a meal because we were too busy rushing around and completely forgot or had no time to eat, but have you ever had to experience those hunger pangs lasting for days because you had no access to real food?
It’s something many of us are privileged enough to never have to experience in our lifetime but we can imagine how unpleasant it would be and how it would affect all aspects of our life. It’s difficult to think straight, go on about your day, or be in a good mood when all you can think about is your next meal — because hangry is a real thing right?
We believe real food has the power to change the world.

The nourishment we experience in our bodies, minds, and overall emotional wellbeing when served with natural, wholesome food should not be a luxury for some but a right enjoyed by all. As a community-focused organization, we strive to co-create a future where everyone has access to fresh, locally grown produce. By connecting our children, schools, and families with local farmers, gardens, and nutritious food — magic happens! The combination of compassion and a hearty meal has the potential to truly enrich lives and empower our communities, not to mention it’s one of the easiest ways to share happiness!
The incredible people powering Project Rooted invite you to join in on this inspiring journey of sharing love and raising joyful, healthy children — one kid at a time, one meal at a time, one community at a time.

WHITNEY SANGER
CO-FOUNDER

KEVIN SCHARPF
CO-FOUNDER
Whitney Sanger, fresh food and health advocate, along with Kevin Scarpf, owner of Brazen Open Kitchen, decided to join forces and make a difference! Both of them are parents who do not believe in raising children on fast food and share a deep understanding of the power fresh food has on growing a kid’s potential. In short, you could say they are strong believers of nurture through nourishment. They love reconnecting people with where their food comes from which is why they are passionate about educating kids and families on how to choose and prepare healthy, tasty, and sustainable meals for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s impoverished families in need of support or stressed-out parents in need of guidance, we work with everyone regardless of their background.
To us, it’s about growing as a community together so we can raise our children to be healthier and more connected to real food.



Many fellow food lovers have jumped on the bandwagon along the way and truly transformed the organization into what it is today.
The compassion each person brings to the team has allowed us to uplift many schools and communities, reminding children that their health is important and the abundance of mother nature is here to take care of them.
We hope you’ll join us on this magical journey and be a part of our story as it continues to unfold.

Here are the protagonists who power this project with a whole lot of heart! They all share a passion for keeping things fresh and co-creating a future where every family has access to an abundance of real food.
Our projects wouldn’t be possible without them and we appreciate the collective impact that has been made together. Thank you for your compassion, your care, and your collaboration to make a difference!

Jackie Ament
Dubuque Community Schools

Katie Baker
BARD Materials

Laura Chandlee
Chandlee Household Manager

Tory Daughtery
Cottingham & Butler

Brittany Demezier
ISU Extension and Outreach – Dubuque County

Megan Horstman
Hyvee Dietician

Sunil Malapati
Clarke University

Andy Mettert
University of Dubuque

Justyna Miranda
City Girl Farming

Erin Neises
Neises Design

Whitney Sanger
Travel Dubuque

Kevin Scharpf
Brazen Open Kitchen

Scott Schramm
Retired Healthcare Exec
& Stay-at-Home Dad

Leslie Shalabi
Convivium Urban Farmstead
