4Roots
December 2020Friends,
The end of the year, more than any other time of year, is when we come together with loved ones to make memories during the Holidays, spend quality time together and reflect on what we have and what matters most to us, our family and our community. And it is also a time that inspires us to give to others. As you finalize your giving this holiday season, we hope you’ll consider supporting the 4Roots vision as we work to unearth the power of food to build healthy communities—it’s a gift that will keep our community growing long into the future.Here are ways you can support 4Roots this month:
- Enjoy a meal at 4Rivers or The Coop any day this month and round up your order total throughout December. Your donation will directly benefit 4Roots and development of the 4Roots Farm Campus.
- Whether you’ve already donated or are still considering a donation to 4Roots, you can enhance your impact for the Central Florida community by checking to see if your employer will match your gift to 4Roots. It’s a quick and easy way to multiply your generosity!
John Rivers
CEO and Founder
4Roots and 4R Restaurant Group
Feeding the Need: 1.6 Million and Counting
There’s nothing like a homemade meal, especially during the holidays! As many people and businesses are still facing uncertainties, we have been blessed to partner with elected officials, churches, chefs, and even a former NBA star through our Feed the Need program to provide much-needed meals to those in need. To date, Feed the Need Florida has served 1,606,117 meals and rescued 559,844 pounds of produce that would have gone to waste. See photos from our recent events, here and here.
Growth Through Community
While the holidays will be a little different this year, one thing remains just as prevalent as ever, and that is our gratitude for incredible community partners. Learn more about these hometown heroes and how they are creating positive change for our community below.
Dr. Phillips Charities
Since 1954, the Dr. Phillips name has been a major economic and philanthropic presence in the Central Florida community. To date, the organization has granted more than $200 million to help grow our community—including supporting the development of the 4Roots Farm Campus and its commitment to building a better food future.
Massey Services
Massey Services has made community involvement a cornerstone of its company’s culture, with a key interest in education. 4Roots is grateful for the support of the Massey family to help bring hands-on agricultural education to our youth at the 4Roots Farm Campus and partnering schools.
Orlando City Foundation
The Orlando City Foundation is working to cultivate sustainable and equitable food systems by investing in local farmlettes and food education, and is supporting in the development of classroom spaces on the 4Roots Farm Campus to further guide that mission.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Awards Feed the Need Florida More than $345,000
Visit Orlando donated $345,378 to Feed the Need Florida—celebrating its largest charitable donation ever and the 15th anniversary of its Magical Dining program. The donation was raised through Visit Orlando’s annual Magical Dining program, which highlights Orlando’s dining scene with participating restaurants preparing special menus each fall and designating $1 from each meal for a selected charity. The donation will help Feed the Need Florida continue to provide healthy meals and fresh produce to those struggling throughout the community.
30 Seconds With…Jordan Johnson, Farm Network Manager
Early riser OR night owl? Early Riser is my preference to be productive with the new day, but I seem to have more creative moments when I’m a night owl. So, I would say I’m both with a nap in the middle.
Veggie of choice?My favorite vegetable would be the Waltham’s butternut squash. It was the first crop that I had great success with in my own garden and we gave them away by the trunk load! So, they always remind me of good times, good harvests and the joy of sharing the bounty of the garden with family and friends.
Favorite local farm?I couldn’t pick a favorite local farm. I truly enjoy getting to see all the different techniques and methods they use and why. From first time farmers to 4th and 5th generation farmers. All of our farmers are my favorite.
Passion project? Outside of Christ, Family, and Farming, I really enjoy open water distance swimming, 50 milers on the bike and most every other outdoor activity.
Little-known fact? A little-known fact about me is that I secretly love listening to ABBA (but let’s keep that a secret). Also, you may one day see me driving and singing “Mamma Mia, here we go again.”
