Food Equity in Action: Inside Gaining Ground’s Zero-Profit, 100% Impact Model with Jennifer Johnson (Ep. 34)

What happens when a farm’s entire harvest is donated to fight hunger?

In this moving and mission-driven episode of Wealth Beyond Riches, Abbey Henderson, CFP®, CEO, Wealth Advisor & Coach, sits down with Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director of Gaining Ground, a nonprofit farm that donates 100% of its organically grown produce to hunger relief organizations in Massachusetts.

Together, they explore what it really takes to address food insecurity, not just through charity, but through dignity, community, and regenerative land stewardship.

Jennifer shares the surprising ways Gaining Ground engages volunteers, empowers teens, and stays rooted in values even as demand skyrockets. If you've ever wondered how to give more meaningfully, or how small, consistent acts of generosity can transform entire communities, this conversation will stay with you.

What to expect in this episode:

• A behind-the-scenes look at Gaining Ground’s unique “give it all away” model
• How food justice and environmental care go hand in hand
• The emotional impact of volunteering with purpose
• Why giving doesn’t require a trust fund, just intention
• And more!

Resources

• Project Bread

Connect with Abbey Henderson: 

• LinkedIn: Abbey Henderson
• [e-mail] 
• Website: Abaris Financial Group
• Facebook: Abaris Financial Group
• Facebook: Abbey Henderson: Trusted Financial Advisor & Coach
• Instagram: @trustedadvisor_coach
• LinkedIn: Abaris Financial Group
• X (Twitter): Abaris Financial Group

Connect with Jennifer Johnson:

• LinkedIn: Jennifer Johnson
• Gaining Ground

About Our Guest:

Jennifer is passionate about equitable access to healthy food and the healing power of nature. She’s found her dream job at Gaining Ground and loves working with Gaining Ground’s staff, board, volunteers, and partners to grow food and grow community. 

She earned a degree in communications from Boston University and completed the in-residence Business for Impact program at Georgetown University. Jennifer began her career in marketing communications before pivoting to non-profit development and management. 

Outside of work, you’ll most likely find her making soup, sharing her love of Dolly Parton, or sitting around a campfire with friends and family. She lives with her family in Concord and enjoys reading, running, hiking, gardening, and kayaking.