🌱 In Memory of Wendy Hawthorne

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Wendy Hawthorne last month. Wendy was one of the visionary co-founders of Fresh Food Connect.

Wendy was the first to bring together Denver Food Rescue, Groundwork Denver, and Denver Urban Gardens back in 2016 — planting the seed of what would later become Fresh Food Connect. Her leadership and belief in collaboration made this work possible. She played an essential role in the ideation and piloting of the model, and then securing Fresh Food Connect’s initial funding from Impact100, which allowed us to invest in the first version of our app. She was there when Fresh Food Connect began shaping into its own organization.

Wendy believed in people, in equity, and in the power of community to address hunger and inequities in the world. Her legacy lives on in the gardens, the neighborhoods, and the mission that she helped grow.

"Wendy believed that a neighborhood is strongest when it’s connected—across differences, across backyards, and across generations. Fresh Food Connect exists because Wendy made space for all of us to believe in something bigger than ourselves." — Turner Wyatt, FFC Co-Founder

Because of Wendy’s early leadership, Fresh Food Connect has since facilitated the sharing of more than 300,000 pounds of homegrown produce with 166,000 individuals, engaging over 4,350 gardeners from across the country. Her impact continues to ripple outward through every harvest shared and every neighbor nourished– and will for many years to come. 

Wendy was a deeply respected nonprofit leader and advocate across Denver. She has been in my circle since I first began working in this community in 2013, and the entire nonprofit community held her in such high regard. Her example set a standard for what it looks like to lead with humility, clarity, and care.

We are profoundly grateful for Wendy’s contributions and the lasting impact she made on our communities, on our team, and on all of us. 

With deep gratitude and remembrance,
Kayla Birdsong, CEO, Fresh Food Connect

June 6, 2025

https://www.beatreecremation.com/obituaries/2025-05-10-wendy-hawthorne