Chef-quality meals
We prepare fresh, ready-to-eat meals planned to be nutritious, flavorful, and comforting — food that nourishes body and spirit.
Once upon a thyme, a Richmond chef asked a simple question: what if chef-quality meals were for everyone?
We cook fresh, ready-to-eat meals and share them with neighbors facing food insecurity across Richmond — made with intention, respect, and real culinary care.
Our mission
To reduce food insecurity in Richmond by providing thoughtfully prepared, high-quality meals to community members in need.
Every meal tells a story. We bridge the gap between food access and food quality, so the food people receive is food they're glad to eat.
How it started, and what we do
Founded by Justin Thomas — known around town as the Mad Hatter — Once Upon a Thyme began in borrowed kitchens with a handful of volunteers. It has grown into a community-driven nonprofit built around dignity-first food support. And we're just getting started.
Community partners
- Community fridge programs
- Ronald McDonald House
- Local mutual aid networks
- Food recovery partners
Volunteer-powered
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our work. No kitchen experience needed — we provide guidance, training, and a welcoming crew.
Why it matters
Food insecurity isn't only about hunger. It's about access, dignity, and equity.
Many food programs focus on shelf-stable items, and those matter. But families also deserve fresh, prepared meals that feel comforting and familiar. That's the gap we fill.
- Reducing food waste through smart sourcing
- Creating nutritious prepared meals
- Supporting families during vulnerable moments
- Strengthening Richmond's mutual aid network
Write the next chapter with us
Cook with us, give, or bring your organization to the table.
Volunteer
Join the Mad Hatter and the team in the kitchen. Seasoned cook or brand new, there's a place for you. Shifts usually include:
- Meal prep
- Packaging
- Ingredient sorting
- Kitchen support
Donate
Your gift buys the essentials: ingredients, to-go containers, and kitchen supplies. Every dollar goes toward more meals for our neighbors.
Venmo
@OnceUponAThymeRVA
Once Upon a Thyme RVA is a registered nonprofit organization.
Give on VenmoPartner
Restaurants, food distributors, nonprofits, and community groups: we're always looking for partners who can help us reach more people.
Start a conversationMeet our board
We believe healthy food is a right, not a privilege. Our board brings the governance, direction, and energy to turn that belief into impact across Greater Richmond.
Justin Thomas
Founder & Executive Director
With more than 20 years in culinary and hospitality operations, Justin pairs deep kitchen expertise with a commitment to community care. Known as the Mad Hatter, he started Once Upon a Thyme so every neighbor can count on nourishing food prepared with dignity.
Dr. Mallory Seal
President
Dr. Mallory Seal is a dedicated and compassionate Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chesterfield County, where her early experiences as a youth soccer player sparked a lifelong passion for physical therapy. After earning her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in 2010, she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in Denver, Colorado, in 2014. Since then, Dr. Mallory has built a well-rounded career in both outpatient and acute care settings, where she is known for her patient-centered approach and commitment to helping individuals regain function and improve their quality of life.
Dr. Mallory Seal was drawn to the mission of Once Upon A Thyme because of its focus on community outreach and serving underprivileged individuals with dignity. She believes that providing quality, nutritious food to the greater Richmond area is essential to promoting wellness for all, as a healthy body often facilitates a positive mindset. Once Upon A Thyme helps alleviate the stress of food insecurity for families and individuals, ensuring that a healthy meal is not a luxury.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Mallory enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two sons. Whether relaxing by a bonfire, spending time at the beach, or getting lost in a good book, she values balance and connection in all aspects of life.
Kevin Liu
Treasurer
A Richmond restaurateur who owns and runs several award-winning bar and restaurant concepts, building ties between local restaurants and neighbors in need.
Sean Platt
Secretary
A physical chemist and materials scientist at Altria Client Services, and a Richmonder of 15+ years who supports community access to essential resources.
Trevor Warden
Philanthropy
A fundraising professional with 15+ years of experience, currently Director of Leadership and Planned Giving at the Richmond Symphony.
Michael Clapp
Technology & Operations
Director of IT & Operations Services at Potomac Family Dining Group and former Commissioner of Stonewall Sports Richmond — at home deploying hospitality tech or captaining a kickball game.
From our kitchen
Meal prep days, volunteers, and the plates headed out to our neighbors.