There is nothing quite like the taste of a meal made with ingredients you grew yourself! Our lunch program harvested Napa cabbage and thyme directly from the GOC garden to feature in our daily meal.

A huge shout-out to Kyana and Aaron, who worked in the kitchen to prepare today’s delicious menu:

-Perfectly seasoned pork tenderloin

-Creamy, homemade mashed potatoes

-Freshly harvested greens and Napa cabbage

At the Gainesville Opportunity Center, our lunch program is about more than just a meal—it’s a key part of our Work-Ordered Day. By working side-by-side to grow, harvest, and cook, our Members build real-world vocational skills, develop healthy habits, and foster the community connections that make recovery possible. (Thank you to the following agencies for helping make this possible!)

GROW HUBFlorida Department of Children and FamiliesUF IFAS Extension Alachua County Master GardenersLutheran Services FloridaClubhouse International – ICCD

Kyana takes pride in our kitchen. Cooking things with fresh ingredients is the way to go. We have an active stovetop every day as we make lunch. Members like Aaron are dedicated to make sure that everyone eats. From planting to harvest, our Members take their work seriously.