Patricia “Trish” Kry

Neighborhood Center of South Lake CEO Patricia “Trish” Kry sees food as more than a way to feed people; she sees it as a tool for building a healthier population, one household at a time.

Trish joined the organization 10 years ago and quickly recognized a connection between the children experiencing food insecurity in local schools and the families seeking help at the center.

When the organization moved into a new facility, she saw an opportunity to rethink what a food pantry could provide from her eyes as a community health nurse.

“As a nurse, I couldn’t see giving out food that wasn’t nutritious,” says Trish.

Using refrigerated trucks allowed the center to collect fresh produce, frozen meats and other perishables from area grocers. Today, 75-80% of the food it distributes meets nutritional standards. And the center is certified as a nutritious food pantry, a distinction few pantries nationwide can claim.

Choice is equally important. Instead of receiving a box of predetermined food, families select items they will actually eat, including fresh produce. The center also teaches families how to prepare nutritious foods using ingredients they may not be familiar with.

“Just because you have food insecurity doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have nutrition,” Trish says.

The results extend far beyond the pantry. In 2025, the center distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food and provided more than 119,000 meals to children during school breaks. The Neighborhood Center’s approach is being studied nationwide as a pilot model for organizations hoping to replicate that success.

Trish is preparing to expand that work. A new facility is planned for Groveland.

“This is my community,” Trish says. “These are my neighbors. I want everyone to be healthy. I want the teachers who care for my kids and first responders and others to be happy and healthy.”

“When we all are doing well, that lifts up everybody.”