232: Nourish the Body, Feed the Soul: A Conversation with Whitney Sanger of Project Rooted

Whitney Sanger isn't just a nonprofit founder — she's a mother of seven, a Dubuque native, a communications and storytelling pro, and the kind of woman who sees a gap and refuses to accept "that's just how it is" as an answer.

In this conversation, Whitney shares the very personal journey that shaped her relationship with food, and how that journey eventually turned into Project Rooted — a nonprofit built on the belief that nutrition isn't only about what's on the plate… it's also about connection, dignity, community, and hope.

We talk about the moment that sparked her curiosity (a simple school birthday lunch), the pushback she faced when she started asking bigger questions, and what it looked like to launch a nonprofit in early 2020 — and then pivot fast as the pandemic hit. You'll also hear how Project Rooted has evolved over the last five years, including their incredible Rooted Box program that's helping first graders build a relationship with fresh, local food in a way that's joyful, empowering, and deeply human.

If you've ever felt a nudge to do something meaningful in your community — but you weren't sure where to start — Whitney's story will light something up in you.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• Whitney's early relationship with food — and how healing changed everything

• Why curiosity is often the beginning of meaningful work

• The birthday lunch that sparked the idea for Project Rooted

• How she found the right co-founder and built an aligned board

• What it looked like to launch in 2020… and pivot into immediate community impact

• The "Notes of Hope" that continue to anchor every program

• How the Rooted Box program works (and why kids LOVE "Rooted Box Day")

• Whitney's advice for anyone with a big idea that feels scary to say out loud

• What Whitney has found about herself: confidence + empathy

Resources & Links

• Project Rooted

• Volunteer opportunities in Dubuque: volunteerdbq.com