FoodWorks for Bria Evans
FoodWorks gave Bria Evans a fresh start after she lost her job in physical therapy, and now she is literally giving others the same opportunity through her own 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Fresh Start Mobile Services offers hot meals and showers to hundreds of her neighbors in need each month.
“I am appreciative of the FoodWorks program, and especially the connection to The Open Society, which funded my dream of opening a mobile service for people without housing. I appreciate (former FoodWorks case manager) Dani, because I’m not sure this would be without her,” Bria said.
Incredibly, Fresh Start is a passion project for Bria! During the day, she is mentoring the next generation of culinary creators through the Requity Foundation, where she serves as the Director of Operations and Head Chef.
“When I was in the program, I never envisioned being in the role of trainer – but here I am, using my notes, books, ServSafe Food Handler Certification, and everything that I learned at FoodWorks to train 11th and 12th graders from Carver Vocational-Technical High School so they can be better, and have a future.”
Each week, Bria welcomes interns from neighboring Carver to give them invaluable, hands-on experience, while giving back to the community.
“There are ‘We all eat Wednesdays,’ where we plan, prep, and prepare meals and deliver them to the community for free,” she noted. “And on top of that, we sometimes cater for Johns Hopkins University, host brunches, PTA events and things like that, and it benefits everyone,” Bria continued.
From career training and wraparound support that have a positive impact on individuals like Bria, as well as Maryland’s communities and businesses, the difference FoodWorks makes is delicious. 
About The Author
Ben Gross
For more than 30 years, Ben has been helping organizations raise awareness and inspire action by creating compelling narratives. And since 2018, Ben has been the Maryland Food Bank's Staff Writer, elevating the voices of food-insecure neighbors to further the Maryland Food Bank's mission of feeding people, strengthening communities, and ending hunger for more Marylanders.
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Much like our food distribution efforts, workforce development programs like FoodWorks at the Maryland Food Bank rely on generous donations of money and time.
