Founders
Learn more about the current & founding cooperative worker members!
Robert Breen
River City Growers
Robert Breen is a grower, designer, and advocate dedicated to building resilient, local food systems that serve both producers and their communities. With a career rooted in regenerative agriculture, Robert specializes in permaculture design, hydroponic crop production, controlled environment agriculture, and greenhouse design and installation. His work integrates ecological principles with practical solutions to strengthen regional food networks and create opportunities for small farms and food artisans.
Trevor Ring
Community Cultures
Trevor Ring is the founder of Community Cultures. He has taught fermentation for over a decade, worked for numerous agriculture, food and fermentation businesses, and produces fermented products in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is most excited about sharing his knowledge of fermentation, creating resiliency within the food system through fermentation, and utilizing seasonal and regional ingredients to inspire his ferments.
Amanda Pagniello
412 Food Rescue
Amanda Pagniello paid her dues in the food service industry in various positions, accumulating 12~ years of experience in front and back of the house. Post food service, she chose a path in agriculture to develop a deeper understanding of ecology, farming, and food systems. She is one of the first stops for food donors, volunteers, and those in need, calling into the Dispatch line at 412FR, which has granted her an ear into communities in and around the PGH area.
Jayashree Iyengar
Popping Mustard Seeds
Jayashree Iyengar is the owner of Popping Mustard Seeds LLC. She specializes in teaching Indian vegetarian cuisine. She grew up in Chennai, India before she moved to the United States more than four decades ago. She is an experienced chef and teaches both private and public cooking classes at various locations including the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh.
She is also a Mechanical Engineer who worked at Westinghouse as an engineer for more than two decades. Her passion for cooking and teaching led her to transition to the culinary world. She has a MAFS from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Kim Flurry
AKLW Bone Broth
A Kind Loving World was born from my own personal health crisis that required immediate medical intervention. After I emerged with a renewed sense of health and desire to share my journey to help others. I found that there were people who had or were in the same dilemma I had been in and recovering from an illness.
AKLW Bone Broth supports health and healing yet encompasses the taste and love that Grandma would provide. This Broth is frozen, it is slow simmered for hours, no preservatives or shelf stabilizers, rich in vitamins, and minerals.
AKLW Bone Broth is more than just a product. It’s a pouch of nutrition that shows someone cares and is here to support you on your journey. It centers around healing, accessibility, and community, just like “Grandma” would.
Marie Mencher
Lil'Loaf
Marie Mencher is the founder of Lil' Loaf, a small business specializing in the production of fruit leathers and seasonal baked goods. She is a graduate of the Fulton Commons Accelerator program and a participant in the 2025 Franklin Street Market series in the Manchester neighborhood. She has worked on behalf of Jak's Bakery at the Farmers Market Cooperative of East Liberty and is currently an Academic Advisor at CCAC.
Marla Harvey
Made by Marla Mae
My name is Marla Mae! I started my pastry journey by going to culinary school where I received my associate's in baking & pastry and my bachelor's in culinary management. I have done all kinds of work in the food industry from making pastries at local high-end restaurants, research and development, food science (focusing on chocolate and ice cream), and bakeries. I love using my knowledge of flavor pairing and intricate attention to detail to create my custom treats. I can't wait to make you something!
Logan Laizure
Food Rescue Hero
Logan Laizure has a decade of experience in project management, aligned with nonprofit and community initiatives with the goal to strengthen local neighborhoods. His main focuses are food justice, harm reduction, and community resilience. Working as a National Manager for Food Rescue Hero, a Board Member for ReTyred Chicago, Director at Steel City Mutual Aid, and a volunteer wherever there is someone in need, he’s extremely passionate about ensuring our communities are engaged and thriving.
