Greens N' Things: From Dream to Delicious Reality with a Boost from CEDF
For Sara Roberts, cooking has always been more than a passion—it’s been her purpose. Even as a little girl, she would pretend to run her own business, dreaming of owning something she could build with her own two hands. That dream simmered on the back burner for years, as life brought its share of challenges: becoming a young mother, navigating single parenthood, and restarting her life in Connecticut. But through it all, Sara never lost sight of her vision.
“I had just enough money saved,” she recalls. “It was either go be a cook for someone else or invest in myself and become a chef.” That leap of faith gave birth to Greens N’Things—a fresh, healthy, ready-to-eat meal service designed for people who want nutritious, flavorful food without the hassle of cooking or cleaning. What started with home-cooked meals and a deep love for feeding others has become a staple for busy professionals, seniors, and families across the region.
Nestled in the northwest corner of the state, Greens N’Things fills a unique need in an area where healthy meal delivery options are few and far between. With weekly deliveries and a newly opened a same-day-lunch storefront, Sara’s rotating menu of chef-crafted meals offers convenience without compromise. But her true secret ingredient? Heart.
“I remember this one customer—an older gentleman whose daughter ordered meals for him after his wife passed,” Sara says. “He told me my food reminded him of her cooking. That right there… that’s why I do this.”
Sara’s story is one of grit, grace, and grounded ambition. She never set out to create a “trendy” business. Instead, she created a space where people feel seen and cared for. Her storefront isn’t just a place to pick up food—it’s a place where customers are known by name, where meals are prepared with intention, and where health and hospitality go hand in hand.
But turning a vision into a sustainable business takes more than passion. It takes support—and that’s where the Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) came in.
While renting some space, Sara was introduced to CEDF through a mentor. “I didn’t even know if I could qualify for a loan,” she says. But once connected, everything began to shift. Through CEDF, Sara found a support system she’d never had before. “It wasn’t just the financial help—it was the advice, the ideas, the encouragement. The whole CEDF team… they believed in me.”
From marketing strategies like buy-one-get-one promotions to guidance on scaling and staying resilient, CEDF played a vital role in Sara’s growth. “Sometimes all you need is someone to say, ‘You’re not alone in this.’ That’s what they did for me.”
Sara has faced her share of barriers—but she credits her success to faith, perseverance, and surrounding herself with people who uplift her. “This business is like my second child. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am.”
Looking ahead, Sara is excited to grow her impact organically. She’s launching a new family meal plan, expanding her grab-and-go offerings, and dreams of building a space where people can gather, feel at home, and be nourished in every sense of the word.
“CEDF helped me go from surviving to thriving,” she says. “Now, I get to feed people—and help them feel good doing it.”
Sara Roberts’ journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets the right support. Through Greens N’Things, she’s not just cooking meals—she’s building community, one fresh bite at a time.