In the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s 29-county service area, 12.8% of residents are food insecure. Arden’s Garden has spent the last three decades working to help fill in this gap, and support communities that need it the most. 

For nearly 30-years Arden’s Garden, an Atlanta based smoothie bar, has worked to help Atlanta’s community. Over time, the company has become a meaningful presence in communities across the metro Atlanta area, specifically for communities facing food insecurity and limited access to fresh and healthy produce. 

Despite the growth the company has seen over time, its main goal has not changed. They’ve always taken steps to help communities. Arden’s Garden primarily started opening stores in underserved communities, not just affluent neighborhoods. Their first manufacturing was located in East Point, which is a predominantly black community. Finley Holaway, a frequent customer at Arden’s Garden, appreciates the company’s commitment to helping support Atlanta’s communities and that it makes their products more meaningful.

“I have enjoyed Arden’s Gardens products, specifically juices, and it’s gratifying for me to learn I am supporting a local company with good morale,” Holaway said. “It is easy for large corporations to undermine economic problems in their cities for the means of profit, and I appreciate how Arden’s Garden is not afraid to get involved and give back.”

Chief executive officer and president of Arden’s Garden Leslie Zinn noted that the changes the company has made towards helping the community were shaped around supporting what the community needs at the moment. 

“What we learned from our experiences early on is that people in food deserts need and want access to fresh and healthy food, and if you provide that, they will come and support you,” Zinn said in a recent interview. 

Arden’s Garden has also made partnerships in its community a core part of its mission. For the last couple of years the company has made and built strong relationships with local non profits, schools and food banks. 

“Our mission has always been to bring healthy, nutritious food within everyone’s reach, and it’s a joy to see that mission come to life in this neighborhood.” Zinn said.“We’re here to make being healthy easier, delicious, and available to all communities.”

Sophomore Lucy Goldberg acknowledged the efforts that Arden’s Garden has put in to make a change around Atlanta. 

“I’ve been going to Arden’s Garden since I was little,” Goldberg said. “They’ve been helping the community for years and all of the workers have just been so nice. In today’s day and age, it feels good to know I’m supporting a good business with the right intentions.”

Another significant part of Ardens Gardens’ impact is that they are sustainable and make it their responsibility to get clean ingredients. The company has made a conscious effort to work with local farmers and suppliers as often as possible. This is also helping support Georgia’s agricultural economy.

Holaway believes that supporting a business with good morals is important, like Arden’s Garden. 

“So many businesses talk about giving back, but Arden’s Garden actually shows up for the people who live here,” Holaway said. “Knowing that a local company is genuinely invested in the well-being of Atlanta makes supporting them feel even more meaningful.”

Arden’s Garden has also implemented eco-friendly practices within its stores and production facilities. From reducing plastic waste to encouraging customers to recycle and reuse bottles, the company has taken steps to make healthy living more sustainable. These efforts have resonated with many Atlantans who value businesses that prioritize both community well-being and environmental responsibility.

“Atlanta is such a community-based city, and it warms my heart that their company is founded on such principles,” Holaway said.