574: Jennifer Caraway on The Joy Bus Meal Program.
Delivering heart and hope to cancer survivors through tasty meals.
In This Podcast:
COVID caused a shift towards a new normal way of life with social distancing protocols and at-home confinement, yet, for cancer patients this is their everyday life. However, Jennifer Caraway became inspired to lead a movement that supports cancer patients in need after the loss of a close friend to cancer. Listen in to learn about the heartfelt story behind The Joy Bus Meal Program, what kind of meals are patients receiving, and how the program is supported by the wider community.
Our Guest:
Jennifer loves serving good food. Starting out as a dishwasher at the age of 14 and working absolutely every position within the front and back of the house, she opened her first restaurant at the age of 26 and later several more both in the US and in Mexico. Among her many awards she is the 2018 recipient of the Organization for Nonprofits Executives ‘Organizational Accomplishment and Innovation Award’ and a Food Network Chopped Champion. Jennifer has leveraged her deep knowledge of the food industry to establish The Joy Bus Diner, a breakfast and lunch hotspot that funds her established non-profit The Joy Bus program, which delivers gourmet meals, friendly conversation and education programs free of charge to homebound cancer patients.
Listen in and learn about:
- The story behind the name
- How farmer Frank changed the game plan
- The unique differences between her program and other meal programs
- How have volunteers contributed to the success of the program
- The importance of “rad” food and education
- What makes this a companionship business
- Who are the local chefs getting involved with meal prep
- How her program is prevailing during COVID
- How you can help support The Joy Bus Meal Program
As well as:
Her failure – After a failed restaurant, she took a job that eventually led her to where she is today
Her success – Raising her kids to be good people
Her drive – To be a good example for her family and community
Her advice – “Jump. Whether you succeed or fail, keep jumping.”
Jennifer’s Book recommendations:
The Soul of Money: Reclaiming the Wealth of Our Inner Resources by Lynne Twist
How to reach Jennifer:
Website: www.thejoybus.charity
UrbanFarm.org/joybus
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