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
Year of Service
Trice has been packing meals every week since 2024.
Number of Hours
Trice has volunteered OVER 225 hours since 2024!
Trice fun fact
"I eat a bowl of ice cream every night before bed."
