TLC Connections

TLC Connections EP39 Jennifer Anderson - How Community Gardens Improve Food Access & Health SUMMARY: In this episode of TLC Connections, GT Freeman sits down with Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of Trellis for Tomorrow, for a thoughtful conversation about sustainability, leadership, and building healthier communities through local food systems. Jennifer shares her career journey, from a successful path in financial services and global business to a turning point where she realized her work was no longer “feeding her soul.” That realization led her back to school to study public health and ultimately into leadership roles focused on community impact and sustainability. The conversation centers on Trellis for Tomorrow’s work to expand access to fresh, organic food through community gardens across the region. Jennifer explains how these gardens do more than produce food; they create connections, support health equity, and provide opportunities for people to gather, learn, and contribute to their communities. GT and Jennifer also discuss the broader benefits of this work, including youth development, experiential learning, and the importance of hands-on, outdoor experiences in an increasingly digital world. Jennifer highlights how programs that engage young people in growing food can build life skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. GUEST BIO: Jennifer Anderson is the Executive Director of Trellis for Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization focused on building sustainable communities through local food systems, education, and environmental stewardship. With more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of business and social impact, Jennifer has led and advised organizations across healthcare, consulting, sustainability, and nonprofit sectors. She previously co-founded DudenAnderson and Sustrana, where she helped organizations strengthen strategy, operations, and sustainability efforts. At Trellis, she leads initiatives that expand access to fresh food, support youth development, and strengthen community connection through hands-on, experiential programs. Her work reflects a consistent focus on combining business strategy with human-centered impact to improve outcomes for communities. Helpful Links: Trellis for Tomorrow https://www.trellis4tomorrow.org Jennifer Anderson – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sustainabilityphiladelphia/ USDA – Community Food Systems https://www.usda.gov CDC – Health Equity Resources https://www.cdc.gov SPONSOR: The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.