Zealous Empowering Nurturer

Zealous Empowering Nurturer (ZEN) is a Charlotte-based nonprofit organization rooted in the belief that access to fresh, healthy food is a human right. We are dedicated to addressing food insecurity and promoting health equity by transforming how communities engage with food—through community gardening, food access programs, and hands-on education.

Our mission comes to life through a series of innovative, high-impact initiatives that serve children, families, and seniors in underserved neighborhoods:

• Garden For The Community – Our 1.8-acre educational edible landscape provides individuals and families with direct access to land, tools, and mentorship to grow their own food. This space fosters food independence, environmental stewardship, and connection to the earth.

• Mobile Market & Pop-Up Pantry – Twice a month, we distribute free meal kits stocked with fresh produce, pantry staples, and culturally relevant recipes to families facing food insecurity. Our future expansion includes a fully outfitted Mobile Market Bus to remove transportation barriers and reach even more households in need.

• Empower Our Youth – We partner with schools to implement garden-based learning using indoor grow towers and outdoor gardens. Students learn how to grow, harvest, and prepare healthy foods while building confidence, teamwork, and a sense of agency around food choices.

• Food 101 – Through cooking demonstrations, nutrition workshops, and community classes, we equip people with the knowledge and skills to prepare wholesome meals, read food labels, and adopt lifelong healthy eating habits—free from shame or confusion.

• Lula’s Garden Club – Our senior garden club provides a space for older adults to remain active, engaged, and connected while tending to their gardens. They also serve as wisdom keepers, sharing generational knowledge and building intergenerational relationships.

Every ZEN program is designed to nurture self-sufficiency, community connection, and dignity—from seed to table. When you support ZEN, you’re not just giving to a cause; you’re investing in a movement to nourish bodies, build futures, and grow a healthier Charlotte.