I'll keep it short and sweet this quarter and just say that we are looking forward to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026. We've got lots of great events coming your way, and we really would love our community's support with them. There will be sponsorship opportunities, as well as opportunities to attend these events and support us and our friends! If you are getting a cake for the Carr Center Cake Auction this year, we would love it if you considered purchasing a cake from the Foodworks Alliance Recovery with a Purpose Program. The proceeds of these cakes directly support the work we are doing in the kitchen and it is an amazing way to support two good causes at once. Lastly, we recently learned that our garbage disposal needs to be replaced, so we are raising funds to replace it... please consider donating to this cause HERE. We've put together a really solid newsletter below, outlining some of the upcoming training opportunities and heartwarming stories of the work we are doing and the lives that it is touching. Keep reading! Happy Late Winter (can't wait for Spring!) -Amy
Community Spotlight: Bre of Fit Meal Prep & the Upcoming From Scratch Co‑Op Season
As we prepare for another exciting year of community‑driven food education and local entrepreneurship, we’re thrilled to highlight one of our own: Bre Pye of Fit Meal Prep. Her passion for scratch‑made food, local collaboration, and community wellness continues to shape the heart of our region’s food ecosystem. This year, she’s gearing up for her latest venture — the 2026 From Scratch Co‑Op Market Season — and there’s plenty for our readers to look forward to.
Key Dates for the 2026 Season
The new market season officially kicks off June 20 at 433 Wheeling Ave in Cambridge, OH, running 8 AM–Noon. The regular season will continue every Saturday from 6/20 through 9/12 at the same location.
The Co‑Op will then take the market on the road for a special appearance at the Guernsey County Fair on September 19.
To close out the year, the Christmas Market returns on December 5, hosted at The Farm at Old World Garden from 10 AM–2 PM.
What’s New This Year
Bre and the Co‑Op team are introducing several exciting features to make this season more interactive and family‑friendly than ever:
-Vendor of the Week spotlights, complete with product samples
-Weekly kids’ activities to keep young market‑goers engaged
-Opening Day festivities, including a live pasta‑making demo, the Guernsey County Bookmobile, samples from every vendor, and more
-A July 4th Cookout Block Party theme to celebrate the holiday with community flavor
We’re also excited to share that two FoodWorks Alliance members — Balila and Pickl’d Perfect — have officially joined the vendor roster.
How to Get Involved
Community members can support the market by becoming a Member or Friend of the Market. Membership includes:
Monthly newsletters
First access to workshop sign‑ups
Weekly “What’s at the Market” updates
And additional perks that help sustain the Co‑Op’s mission
Workshops & Learning Opportunities
Even outside market season, From Scratch Co‑Op keeps the learning going. They offer a variety of workshops during the offseason, all designed to help community members build confidence in the kitchen and connect with local food producers. Workshop details and sign‑ups can be found at: www.fromscratchcoop.com
Bre’s leadership and dedication continue to strengthen our local food network, and we’re proud to celebrate her work as we look ahead to a vibrant and community‑centered market season.
FoodWorks Alliance is pleased to announce an upcoming opportunity for food professionals to strengthen their skills and credentials through the ServSafe Food Manager Certification Program.
Food safety is at the heart of a healthy community, and we’re proud to partner with the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department so they can offer FREE Level 1 Food Safety Trainings at FoodWorks Alliance. These sessions are designed for local food staff, restaurant teams, and community members who want to strengthen their knowledge of safe food handling practices.
These trainings are open to the public and provide essential tools to ensure food is prepared, stored, and served safely. By attending, you’ll help protect customers, strengthen local businesses, and contribute to a healthier community.
Mark your calendars and join us for one of these important sessions!
All interested parties must register! click link below or email CarleighW@zmchd.org
Unmask the Mystery: Join Us for a Murder Mystery Masquerade Benefiting FoodWorks Alliance
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of intrigue, elegance, and high‑society scandal — all in support of FoodWorks Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering food entrepreneurs and women in recovery.
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1–4 PM, guests will gather at A Taste of Ohio Wine Bourbon & Beerfor an immersive Masquerade Murder Mystery where you become part of the story. Set inside the opulent Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade Ball, the event invites participants to follow clues, question suspects, uncover hidden motives, and race to solve the mystery before anyone else.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in formal or cocktail attire and bring their most mysterious masquerade mask. Alongside the suspense and laughter, guests can enjoy a selection of beverages available for purchase from our generous host venue.
Most importantly, every ticket directly supports FoodWorks Alliance’s mission — uplifting local food entrepreneurs and providing workforce training for women in recovery through the Recovery With Purpose program.
Tickets & Sponsorships
Reserve your spot or explore sponsorship opportunities here:
Gather your friends, choose your mask, and prepare to unmask a killer — all while supporting a powerful cause in our community.
Recovery With a Purpose: Growth, Giving, and New Beginnings in the FoodWorks Alliance Kitchen
The past several months have been a season of transformation, learning, and community impact inside the FoodWorks Alliance Kitchen. From November through February, our Recovery With a Purpose culinary training program has continued to empower individuals rebuilding their lives, offering hands‑on experience, structure, and the confidence that comes from meaningful work.
Meet Kayla!
Kayla, at 2 weeks in our program
This winter, we were thrilled to welcome Kayla, our newest Production Assistant and trainee. At 36, Kayla brings resilience and determination to every shift. A proud mother of four from South Zanesville, she recently celebrated nine months of sobriety while living at Naomi House — a milestone she carries with pride.
After nearly a decade away from the workforce, Kayla saw Recovery With a Purpose as the right opportunity to regain social and professional experience. She shared:
“I hope I learn some tools that I can use in life and at work in my future. Getting used to being on my feet and working with others.”
Her long‑term goal is to secure a job that supports both her financial stability and her recovery. She’s already proud of overcoming the fear of working alongside others and committing to a full week of structured activity, including community service. We’re honored to walk alongside her as she builds confidence and momentum.
Holiday Baking With Christ’s Table
Tarah- at 6 weeks in our program
The holiday season brought a special opportunity for our trainees to give back. After receiving a generous donation of cake mix, Christ’s Table invited FoodWorks Alliance to help transform those ingredients into festive desserts for the community.
The kitchen filled with the warm scent of cakes baking as Tarah, Kayla, and Kitchen Manager Roz worked together to prepare dozens of holiday treats. The project offered valuable hands‑on practice while reminding all of us of the joy that comes from serving others. The simple act of baking became a powerful moment of connection — a way to share comfort, dignity, and holiday cheer with neighbors in need.
As we continue through another impactful season of Recovery With a Purpose, we’re proud to highlight the progress of Tarah.
Tarah shared that baking has been one of the most confidence‑boosting skills she’s learned:
“I’ve learned a lot, but especially with baking, and have never been able to master it until now.”
Her growth has been remarkable — from developing precision and patience to taking initiative in the kitchen and offering suggestions with newfound confidence.
When asked what has challenged her in a positive way, Tarah said:
“Being on time.”
Building structure and consistency is a meaningful part of recovery, and she has embraced that challenge with commitment. She also shared that the program has helped her rebuild discipline and self‑belief, adding that FoodWorks Alliance has been both understanding and supportive throughout her journey.
As Tarah approached the end of her twelve‑week training journey. and after work with our partners at Ohio Means Jobs on her updated resume. Within days she moved into employment with more hours in our local food industry.
We are deeply proud of both Tarah and Kayla, whose dedication, courage, and growth inspire our entire team. Their stories reflect the heart of the Recovery With a Purpose program — a place where individuals can rebuild confidence, learn valuable skills, and make a meaningful impact in the community.
From holiday cakes to daily kitchen tasks, every moment in the FoodWorks Alliance Kitchen is a step toward stability, empowerment, and a brighter future. We look forward to continuing this work and celebrating the successes still to come.
Introducing Brittany
FoodWorks Alliance is excited to introduce Brittany, the newest trainee joining our Recovery With a Purpose Training Program. At 32, and currently a resident of Naomi House, Brittany is stepping into this chapter with determination, honesty, and a refreshingly positive outlook.
Brittany, Recovery With a Purpose Trainee
Brittany shared that she was drawn to the program because it offers a supportive, structured way to re‑enter the workforce. The schedule aligns well with her recovery activities, and earning enough to cover rent—while still having a little room to breathe—gives her the stability she needs as she rebuilds her life.
One of the things she’s most looking forward to is expanding her baking skills. She hopes to build a collection of recipes she can take with her as she grows in her career. While she doesn’t have a single favorite food or ingredient, she loves exploring all kinds of flavors, making the kitchen an exciting place for her to learn.
A major personal goal for Brittany is creating a fresh start in the working world. She wants to build a strong, positive reputation as an employee and use this experience as a foundation for long‑term success.
On challenging days, Brittany stays motivated by reminding herself that every bit of effort is part of a much bigger journey. She sees her progress—mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically—and that steady growth keeps her moving forward.
We’re grateful to have Brittany on our team and look forward to supporting her as she continues building confidence, skills, and momentum.
We’re thrilled to share that the Recovery With a Purpose training program has officially opened its Bundt Cake Order Form for the 40th Anniversary Carr Center Cake Auction.
Our trainees have been hard at work crafting delicious, made‑from‑scratch Bundt cakes as part of their hands‑on culinary and workforce development training. For a $5 delivery fee, your cake will be delivered directly to the auction table — ready to be bid on and enjoyed.
This annual tradition is special on its own, but your participation makes it even more meaningful. Every order supports FoodWorks Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in recovery and strengthening local food entrepreneurs through real‑world training, mentorship, and community support.
If you’re planning to attend the Cake Auction — or simply want to uplift our trainees — we invite you to order a Bundt cake and help make this milestone year unforgettable.
Thank you for being part of our mission and for helping us create opportunities that change lives.
Balila Kitchen: Another FoodWorks Alliance Success Story
FoodWorks Alliance is thrilled to celebrate one of our clients, Balila Kitchen, as they take a major step forward in their business journey. On January 5th, 2026, Balila Kitchen officially branched out into their very own storefront at Colony Square Mall, bringing their vibrant, Mediterranean‑inspired menu to even more members of our community.
Balila Kitchen has been a favorite at local farmers markets, known for bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a passion for sharing the tastes of the Mediterranean. Their new location gives them the space to expand their offerings and welcome customers eager for something delicious, wholesome, and full of heart.
We couldn’t be prouder to see this FoodWorks Alliance client grow, thrive, and take this exciting leap. Congratulations to Balila Kitchen on their new storefront and the incredible work that brought them here. We can’t wait to watch their next chapter unfold
Celebrating Lapp it Up Kombucha’s Next Chapter
At FoodWorks Alliance, we love seeing small businesses grow, thrive, and eventually take flight into their own spaces. Today, we’re celebrating one of our longest‑standing kitchen members: Lapp it Up Kombucha.
Junita has been part of the FoodWorks Alliance Kitchen family since before any of our current staff members joined. Her dedication, creativity, and passion for brewing kombucha have filled our kitchen with energy and inspiration for years.
Now, Junita and Lapp it Up Kombucha are moving to Worthington into a larger facility of their own—a huge milestone that reflects her hard work and the growing demand for her delicious products. While we are sad to see her go, we couldn’t be happier to see her success story unfold. Watching her outgrow our space is exactly the kind of achievement we love to celebrate.
We will miss Junita dearly, but we are thrilled to cheer her on as she embarks on this exciting new chapter. Congratulations, Junita—you inspire us all!
March-April 2026 FoodWorks News Kitchen Spotlight: Oliver Farms Takes Over the Production Line The FoodWorks Alliance kitchen was buzzing with activity on the morning of April 27th, as Oliver Farms came in for a whirlwind production session. In just a short time, their team produced an impressive 35 gallons of their delicious marinara sauce, filling the space with the unmistakable aroma of fresh herbs, tomatoes, and hard work. Seeing our kitchen members in action is one of the most rewarding...
5/11/2026 Hi everyone, For more than 10 years, FoodWorks Alliance has proudly served Muskingum County and surrounding communities as a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening our local food system. Providing accessible, high‑quality food safety training is one of the many ways we support food workers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. We still have open seats in our upcoming ServSafe Level 2 Food Manager Course & Exam, and this is a great opportunity to advance your food career...
March, 25th, 2026 Carr Center Cake Auction - Did You Order Your Cake Yet?! Dear Foodworks Friends, Thank you for your continued support of Foodworks Alliance and the women we serve. We know we recently reached out regarding our upcoming Murder Mystery Event on April 11 at A Taste of Ohio Wine, Bourbon & Beer (tickets and sponsorships are still available HERE), and I appreciate your grace in receiving a second message this month for an equally important cause. As many of you know, the Carr...
