ABOUT US

Mission: Food Forest is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization serving military communities by cultivating sustainable and nutritious food systems that bring people together. We unite active and prior service members, their families, civilian volunteers, and local organizations to build resilience through shared knowledge, collaboration, and hands-on engagement. Our programs (community gardens, consultation services, community grants, and a resource library) foster connection, empowerment, and long-term food security for military populations.

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MISSION BRIEFING

From the Ground Up: How Our Mission Took Root

For over a decade, military spouse Alisyn Kandybowicz has planted the seeds of connection, resilience, and nourishment at every duty station her family has called home. A firm believer that food is more than sustenance—it’s a love language—Alisyn has built community and victory gardens wherever the military has sent them. She witnessed firsthand how these spaces became more than a source of fresh produce; they fostered friendships, improved mental well-being, and strengthened military families navigating the challenges of service life.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alisyn and her children hand-delivered garden-fresh produce to military neighbors, pulling wagons filled with homegrown abundance through their community. This act of kindness reinforced what she had always known: food has the power to bring people together, especially in times of uncertainty.

In 2023, her leadership at the Fort Knox Community Garden demonstrated just how impactful these initiatives could be. Under her guidance, the garden yielded over 225 pounds of fresh produce distributed freely to military families, engaged 19 partner organizations, and secured more than $10,000 in grants and in-kind contributions. The garden flourished with 47 different plant varieties, and volunteers dedicated over 821.5 hours to the cause.

Inspired by this success, Alisyn recognized the need for a structured, sustainable way to replicate and expand these efforts across military installations. She envisioned a network of thriving community gardens—accessible, well-supported, and tailored to the unique needs of military families. Thus, Mission: Food Forest was born: a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to cultivating sustainable, nutritious food systems that empower and unite military communities. By providing resources, consultation, and a collaborative support network, Mission: Food Forest ensures that no service member or family has to start from scratch in building a garden, growing food, or fostering community resilience.

Through this initiative, Alisyn and her team are turning military installations into hubs of food security, connection, and wellness—one garden at a time.

OUR ROOTS

MISSION

Mission: Food Forest strengthens military communities by cultivating sustainable and nutritious food systems that bring people together. We unite active and prior service members, their families, civilian volunteers, and local organizations to build resilience through shared knowledge, collaboration, and hands-on engagement. Our programs (community gardens, consultation services, community grants, and a resource library) foster connection, empowerment, and long-term food security for military populations.

VISION

A future where every military family has access to fresh, sustainable, and nourishing food, strengthening resilience, health, and community connections while promoting environmental stewardship.

VALUES

Service & Community – We honor the spirit of military service by fostering strong, inclusive communities centered around food security and sustainability.
Sustainability – We prioritize environmentally responsible practices that regenerate the land and support long-term food security.
Collaboration – We unite military personnel, families, volunteers, and farmers to build thriving food networks.
Empowerment – We equip individuals and communities with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to grow their own food and make informed nutritional choices.
Resilience & Readiness – We recognize the role of nutrition in military readiness and strive to strengthen the health and well-being of service members and their families.

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TESTIMONIALS

"Community gardens are more than just a source of fresh produce—they are a place where friendships grow as much as the plants do. As a military family, moving frequently makes it hard to form lasting connections, but working side by side in the garden has helped us build meaningful relationships with others who share our experiences. Whether swapping gardening tips, sharing harvests, or simply enjoying the peace of nature together, this space has become a hub of support, camaraderie, and belonging. It’s not just about food—it’s about community. I love Mission: Food Forest's mission to advocate for this for all families."