McKenna’s Wagon: Nourishing Neighbors in a Community-Centered Way

Good nutrition starts long before a meal is served. With McKenna’s Wagon, meal planning is a deliberate, community-centered process guided by the knowledge and preferences of the neighbors it serves. Rather than relying solely on what is available or convenient, the program weaves guest feedback into every stage of menu development. This approach reflects a foundational belief: that every person in our community deserves food that is thoughtfully prepared and genuinely good for them.

We prioritize incorporating guest feedback to inform our meal planning, though meal seasonality is also a consideration. Additionally, we collaborate with volunteer groups that prepare meals and partner organizations that help us transform donated restaurant and event items into complete meals. – Mallory Mpare Quarles, Deputy Chief of Health and Wellness, Martha’s Table 

McKenna’s Wagon operates every day of the year, creating a powerful opportunity for continuous, real-time community input. This consistent feedback loop keeps the program responsive to the nutritional preferences, cultural considerations, and practical needs of the community it serves. Trends that surface over time provide deeper insight, allowing the team to identify patterns and make meaningful adjustments. For neighbors who benefit from McKenna’s Wagon, being heard is meaningful in itself. The feedback structure signals that their expertise shapes the program, reinforcing that McKenna’s Wagon is designed with the community, not just for it.

McKenna’s Wagon is operational daily, 365 days a year, and we gather feedback throughout. A key responsibility for McKenna’s Wagon volunteers is to complete a daily feedback form, where they share information about our guests’ service experience, any complaints, and the quality of the meal. This daily collection of feedback allows us to promptly incorporate guest input into our ongoing menu development and service provision and see trends over time. – Mallory Mpare Quarles, Deputy Chief of Health and Wellness, Martha’s Table 

One of the most significant aspects of McKenna’s Wagon is its recognition that a single hot meal, however nourishing, cannot fully address the food access needs of neighbors who may not have consistent access to a kitchen or regular meals throughout the day. In response, the program supplements its hot meal service with sandwiches and trail mix.