Volunteer Spotlight

Behind every meal we pack for families in Kansas City is someone who chose to make a difference.

Our volunteers are the heart of Pete's Garden. Whether they are packing meals, recovering food, or lending a helping hand wherever it is needed, they make it possible for thousands of Kansas City families to enjoy wholesome, ready to eat meals each year.

At Pete's Garden we are proud to shine a spotlight on one of the incredible people who gives their time, talent, and heart to our mission. Get to know our Volunteer Spotlight who is helping us reduce food waste, feed families, and strengthen our community, one meal at a time.

Judy Miller

Forever loved and missed

Judy started volunteering weekly at Pete’s Garden in February 2023 after retiring from the corporate world with Evergy. But Judy was a Pete’s Garden supporter long before she became a volunteer. 

As the next-door neighbor, and adopted family member, of founder Tamara Weber, Tamara shared the idea for Pete’s Garden with Judy back in 2019.  After listening to what Tamara had in mind, Judy told her: “Tamara, you have to do this!”  

Judy was the first financial donor to Pete’s Garden, providing funds to buy supplies needed to get the program started. She was an enthusiastic cheerleader as the program grew and always enjoyed telling others about our mission of reducing food waste and getting meals to families.

Judy introduced many of her friends from Village Presbyterian Church to Pete’s Garden and sponsored Pete’s Garden for a grant from the church.  She was excited to join the “Thursday Crew” as a weekly volunteer and the group easily and quickly became fast friends. Judy formed a special bond with Mary Catherine Newman since they both seemed to have the same exercise schedule. Judy and MC would regularly run into each other on their walks and they took a selfie each time, sharing it on a group text with the rest of the Thursday Crew. Judy’s smile in those photos was always so big and bright.

Judy joined the angels on March 18th 2025 and her Pete’s Garden family misses her tremendously. But our hearts are lightened by the last message she sent on the Thursday Crew group text:

“God just keeps blessing me with these moments of JOY that last a lifetime.”

You were a blessing to us, Judy, and will be forever in our hearts.   Rest in peace dear friend.