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.

Patrice "Trice" Leslie

Full of life, love and joy!

When Trice volunteers at Pete’s Garden, she packs a little love into every container she prepares.  We can always count on her to tackle even the most complicated food donations, ensuring that every meal looks delicious.


Trice’s attention to detail extends beyond the meals she packs, her work area impeccably tidy and she consistently goes above and beyond to help us keep the Pete’s Garden kitchen truly clean. Trice’s commitment to serving others is evident through her dedication to her church, community and Pete’s Garden. 


We are so grateful for the time, care and heart she brings.  Her energetic personality, positive attitude, and conscientious approach make every volunteer shift more efficient and more fun!


Here’s a little more about Trice, in her own words:

What inspires you to work at Pete’s Garden?


What inspires me is the fact that it shatters me to know that there are people in the United States of America who have never had the opportunity to eat out at a restaurant. Pete's provides the actual experience of fine dining with high quality meals for our families which gives me peace in my soul! 


What is your favorite food to pack?


Everything. V's Italian Restaurant is my staple. However, packing each container with the dignity I'd like to convey makes all the food my favorite. 


What are you reading?


A Juneteenth Daily Devotional 


What are you listening to?


The War and Treaty baby!


Kitchen Sink Meal:


Pasta Primavera- it uses up all veggies in the crisper drawer and if needed add a can of diced tomatoes to round it out. I always have different pastas in the pantry. 

Trice Volunteer Stats

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Year of Service

Trice found Pete's Garden in 2024 and has been packing meals every week since.

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Number of Hours

Trice has volunteered OVER 225 hours since 2024!

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Trice fun fact

"I eat a bowl of ice cream every night before bed."

Frequently Asked Questions

let’s get you started

We know you might have a few questions before signing up — like how long shifts are, what you’ll be doing, or whether experience is required. Our goal is to make volunteering with Pete’s Garden simple, safe, and rewarding. Here’s what you need to know to get started and feel confident lending a hand.

  • Where does Pete's Garden Operate

    We work at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral at 13th & Broadway, across from Bartle Hall. 

  • What types of food can be donated?

    We accept high-quality, unserved food that can be safely repurposed into family meals. This typically includes proteins, starches, vegetables, and prepared foods from commercial kitchens that were not served to customers.

  • Is donated food handled safely?

    Yes. All food donations are handled following strict food safety guidelines. Pete’s Garden works out of a health-inspected commercial kitchen, and volunteers are trained to properly store, handle, and package meals to ensure safety and quality.

  • What happens to the food after it’s donated?

    Donated food is recovered and repackaged into balanced, family-sized meals. These meals are then distributed through local partner organizations that serve families with children.