LOUISVILLE Ky. — It was all smiles during a ribbon cutting ceremony in Old Louisville to mark the opening of Garden Girl Foods, a new fresh food option in a food desert.

“We made it. It’s been a long road. A lot of sleepless nights. a lot of tears, a lot of blood, a lot of dirt. We’re here and open. We are here for the community,” said Whitney Powers, the owner of Garden Girl Foods.

A year ago, Garden Girl Foods started out as an activity when Powers and her daughter were bored during the pandemic. Powers then put her past experience to use – she used to be the cafeteria manager for the archdiocese of Louisville and she also managed several cafes before the pandemic began.

“Last year was madness. while everyone else was buckled down, we were out gardening and picking. As crazy as this year has been I think it’s going to get more crazy this year but we are excited and we are ready,” Powers said.

Powers drew upon her knowledge in the past to help cultivate her brand. She was at Logan Street Market for six months from June until the end of last year. She’s on a specific mission with her new brick and mortar store.

Inside the Old Louisville storefront, you’ll find a whole treasure trove of fresh foods, ready made meals, desserts, grocery items and other products. 

“Right now, we have less than one grocery store per every 3 square miles, making us a food desert,” she said.

The neighbors in the Old Louisville neighborhood can walk out their front door and have access to purchase fresh food options, grocery options and ready to eat options all in one. Powers also transformed the lot adjacent to Garden Girl Foods into an outdoor garden with tables and a future spot for live music.

Powers said that’ll be a helpful venue to teach children and others how to grow and preserve their own food.

“Old Louisville needs beauty. Old Louisville needs to be revitalized in some places. We need beautiful spaces for people to gather and build a sense of community," she said. "We have them in other parts of the city but not so much here.”

She’s excited for the road ahead. She has the support of a great team and her loving husband. Powers said the ribbon cutting symbolizes the start of a new chapter.

“You wonder why this is so great it’s all because of love and I appreciate y’all and thank y’all from the bottom of my heart for being here today and everyday,” Powers said.

You can find Garden Girl Foods at 501 West Oak Street in Old Louisville. Powers is working on being able to accept EBT cards in order to help make her products more accessible to everyone.