Meet Our Founder
Angelica Mangieri is a chef and community builder with a deep belief in the power of shared food and shared knowledge. What began as a free-meal program evolved into something larger: a network designed to make fresh food more accessible by connecting the efforts already happening across the city. Angelica leads CommunityGro with a focus on education, dignity, and long-term impact, helping neighbors grow, learn, and strengthen their communities through food.
Our Mission
Community Gro coordinates local food systems, and add to them in ways that make sense
1
Context
Galesburg already had neighbors feeding neighbors . Gardeners, orchard hosts, blessing box stewards, grassroots groups, and established food assistance providers caring for their communities. What was missing was connection: a way to see the full picture and work together.
2
Approach
We connect these existing efforts, offer education and support, and help create new growing spaces where needed. The result is a visible, collaborative network focused on long-term food access and community resilience.
3
Values
Community Care. Accessibility, education and empowerment, collaboration over control, dignity and respect, chasing joy.