Food For All
Philosophy & Leadership
Food City by Serving Our Communities Foundation launched in 2023 with a grant funding program for farmers, growers, and food producers focused on serving their local communities. We then began asking: how can we transform food systems to truly serve everyone? To find answers, we facilitated community surveys with over 1,500 St. Louis region respondents, visited farmers feeding those without access, and met with federal agencies, policymakers, and funders.
We uncovered a fragmented system—full of untapped resources—yet disconnected from those who need them most.
Our role is to bridge those gaps. By connecting resources, sharing knowledge, and centering impacted voices, we’re designing a Food For All City where food systems work for everyone.
Food City Leadership
Leading the Mission
Jan
Marson
Co-Founder
Connect on LinkedInDr. Jan Marson, Food City co-founder, integrates trauma-informed systems design with expertise from occupational science and Nature’s Bakery leadership to build community resilience in St. Louis and Northern Nevada.
Darren
Jackson
Co-Founder
Connect on LinkedInDarren, Food City co-founder, leverages nonprofit leadership and tech innovation expertise to create data-driven, community-led solutions, empowering systemic change through human-centered design and scalable development initiatives worldwide.
Our
Community
Impact
Investing in Sustainable Food Systems
- 14 Major Grants Distributed, for a Grand Total of $430,000
- Over 20 Micro-Grants Distributed, Totaling Beyond $15,000
- $250,000 Invested in Additional Local Businesses in the St. Louis Region
Through our own information gathering, outreach to offices, and dialogue with urban farmers and grant recipients, we have determined that there are distinct disparities. A large share of feedback highlights a disconnect between the allocated funds from many of the local and state programs and the needs of urban farmers.
We continue to collaborate with local food producers to break down funding barriers and provide avenues for access to those doing the work.
It’s Time to TAKE ACTION
Join the Food For All MVMT
Listen:
Food For All,
the Podcast
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Serving
Our
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Our Parent Organization
Founded by Jan Marson in 2020, Serving Our Communities Foundation is a family foundation that partners with diverse leaders to provide community and workforce development, public health, and educative initiatives through the lens of occupational science, across Nevada and Missouri. The Marson family is committed to investing heavily in Nevada and St. Louis, MO, injecting nearly $5 million in social impact investments to date. Serving Our Communities Foundation’s mission is to strengthen our community’s social sector leaders by advancing philanthropy efforts for the promotion of individualized and integrated health and wellness services.