Gina Keatley: Nourishing NYC

THE FACTS
Name: Gina Keatley
Job Description: Founder/Director of Nutrition, Nourishing NYC
Company info: http://nourishingnyc.org/
419 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor NY, NY 10003

Nourishing NYC is a community food program feeding, educating & advocating those in need in NYC. Our mission is to alleviate the strong correlation between low-income status and poor dietary health. We provide nutritious meals and nutritional education without question and without criticism. Anyone is welcome regardless of age, sex, race, financial qualifications or religious beliefs. Nourishing NYC was opened in 2008 to address poor health and hunger—large issues facing the poverty-stricken areas of New York City. At Nourishing NYC, we strive to achieve the mission of “Nutrition for All” through a three-pronged approach of feed, educate and advocate. We are known throughout the country for our balanced and delicious hot meal services, junior chefs classes and produce programs. Nourishing NYC’s Junior Chef Program was chosen as the Post Foods National Charity of Choice grant. In addition, Nourishing NYC was nominated for Charity of the
Year Award at the Classy Awards in 2010.

WHO ARE YOU?
1. What made you decide to start your company?
As a chef & nutritionist I felt that there was a huge gap between healthy foods and so many parts of NYC. I felt I could help fix that. So then I and my husband started Nourishing NYC.

2. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
We are seriously considering expanding Nourishing NYC to other cities country-wide in the next 5 years. Our next stop would be San Francisco, a similar city that is struggling with poverty and lack of nutrition.


3. Who was your inspiration?
I have to say it was myself --I experienced poverty as a child and therefore I understand firsthand the value of our classes & services we offer. When I graduated from NYU with a degree in nutrition, I felt my skills would be most used in the area with the least nutrition but most need: low income areas.

4. What turns you on?
I plead the fifth...hehehe. As many people say I love a man with a passion.

5. What advice do you have for tomorrow’s female entrepreneurs?
Be bold, brave and just keep going.

6. Tell us a sexy secret ;-)
I have a West Highland White Terrier and I do dress my dog for holidays. I know it’s weird but I think she loves her Santa costume and it's festive.