Home Grown
After adopting a plant-based lifestyle and reversing an autoimmune disorder through diet, sisters, Jacqueline and Mary Kathryn Scala, were inspired to make an impact in fresh food access in their hometown, Chicago.
At Freight to Plate, LLC, we are not just a certified women-owned and family-owned business – we are a collective of knowledgeable, passionate and driven professionals. Our team is comprised of seasoned industry experts who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also successfully navigated the challenging landscape of startups.
In today's world, where health and well-being have taken center stage, urban centers and society as a whole are actively seeking innovative solutions that can guarantee a sustainable and nourishing food system for the future.
This is precisely where Freight to Plate shines.
Freight to Plate is led by Mary Kathryn Scala, a strategic food systems consultant with deep experience in urban agriculture, youth programming, operations oversight, and community-centered project development. Mary brings together a network of growers, technicians, educators, and partner organizations to deliver high-quality agricultural projects across Chicago.
Founder, Principal Consultant & Program Strategist
Mary is the guiding force behind Freight to Plate’s vision and operations. With a background spanning hospitality, community development, controlled-environment agriculture, and youth workforce programming, she specializes in designing hyperlocal food systems that are both operationally sound and deeply community-rooted.
Mary leads all consulting engagements, project design, program development, and farm activation strategies. She is known for her ability to bring clarity to complex projects, bridge multi-stakeholder partnerships, and create food-growing infrastructure that directly serves communities.
Her work has supported youth centers, nonprofits, developers, ESG teams, and family offices in launching farms that deliver measurable impact across Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Mary Kathryn Scala
Co-Founder
Interior designer turned commercial real estate and construction expert. She has a drive to eradicate food deserts that came from reversing a debilitating autoimmune disease through the power of a plant based diet.
Jacqueline identifies in-need communities and unique real estate opportunities and secures all logistics needed for a Freight to Plate® farm program.
Jacqueline Scala
A Collaborative Network
Freight to Plate works with a trusted collective of growers, technicians, project managers, and community partners who support farm activations, technical operations, curriculum integration, and long-term management services.
This flexible team model allows FTP to scale for projects of all sizes while maintaining a hands-on approach and individualized support for each partner.
“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”
— HIPPOCRATES.