We are delighted to be partnering with Mama Jean and The Food Drive to host Community Meal Prep Clubs in our space.

Community Meal Prep Clubs are team-building workshops designed for corporate, nonprofit, and community groups to support The Food Drive’s Community Freezer Program, led by Jess Drench, chef/owner of Mama Jean.

The Food Drive is a community-driven hunger relief and food rescue nonprofit organization that provides grassroots, hyperlocal solutions to food insecurity and food waste in cities and towns north of Boston. Since its launch in early 2022, the Melrose Community Freezer Program has provided over 5,000 meals.

How it works

We are happy to accommodate groups of six-12 participants, and will discuss our sliding scale fee structure during your consultation.

  • Depending on class size, we will prepare 50-125 meals for donation in a two and a half hour workshop. The menu is planned in collaboration with The Food Drive, and will feature locally grown produce from our farm partner Wright Locke Farm.

  • The workshop is kicked off with an introduction from Jana Gimenez, Executive Director of The Food Drive, to share information about where the meals will be distributed, discuss the impact, and answer any questions.

  • Optional add-ons for the workshop include small bites prepared by Chef Jess, aprons printed with the logo of your company or organization, and a “Dessert and Debrief” session.

If you’re interested in hosting a Meal Prep please have your group lead reach out to Jess Drench with Mama Jean.


Contact Mama Jean to learn more.


“Change begins in our own neighborhoods, by taking care of each other.”
- Jana Gimenez, Executive Director of The Food Drive