Tess Gardiner
General manager, Heidelberg West & Fitzroy Manager
As a dietitian being slowly pulled towards farming, Tess is passionate about sustainable food systems and food sovereignty; she’s all about using food to connect us. She has worked within her local area on food and nutrition initiatives, and has also spent time overseas on farms and contributing to food security and agriculture projects. Her favourite fruit or veg? Tess doesn’t really do favourites but she can never go past a red capsicum.
Isabella Bertolacci
Fawkner & Carlton Manager & Communication Officer
Isabella is currently studying a Bachelor of Nutrition Sciences and has volunteered for the community grocer for two years. She is passionate about building deep community connections and believes there is no better way to do it than through food! Isabella enjoys simple pleasures such as volunteering, baking and reading. Catch Isabella at a market and tell her about your favourite recipe (she will probably try to cook it for you the week after). Her favourite fruit is watermelon because it reminds her of summer.
Paddy McGreal
Pakenham Manager
Paddy is a qualified nutritionist studying to become a dietitian. She’s interested in supporting vulnerable people to gain access to healthy food, supporting people to engage with their food, and is fascinated by how food is so personal and political. She has spent time working in child nutrition in remote Aboriginal communities in central Australia, has worked on food education initiatives, and comes from a strong background in research. Her favourite fruit is probably a mandarin or banana - they're the all-time greatest pre-portioned and pre-packaged snacks.