At Vita Nova Maternity Community, food is more than fuel—it’s a pathway to healing, learning and hope. At the heart of that mission is Adam Thiel, our Food Services Manager, who brings decades of culinary expertise and a passion for service to our kitchen.
From restaurateur to advocate
Adam spent nearly 30 years running his own restaurant before deciding to take a new path. When the pandemic struck, he found himself preparing hundreds of meals a day for children who had lost access to school lunches. That experience sparked a deeper purpose: using food to serve others. It ultimately led him to Vita Nova, where he helps nourish not just bodies, but spirits.
“It’s about building something that truly changes lives,” Adam said.
Beyond the plate
At Vita Nova, Adam serves more than 400 hot meals a month, keeping costs to just $3.25 per plate—without sacrificing quality or care. His dishes look and taste like they came from a restaurant, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, dignified meals that help residents feel valued.
The menu is as diverse as it is delicious. Some of the favorites residents have helped create include:
• Fried chicken with collard greens and candied yams
• Stuffed salmon with roasted vegetables
• Lemon butter pasta
Every dish offers a lesson: healthy, nourishing food can be affordable, approachable and full of flavor.
Cooking with purpose
Adam’s program is hands-on and collaborative. Each Monday, residents help plan the week’s menu. On Thursdays, one resident co-leads dinner prep, gaining practical skills in the kitchen. Adam also shares the real cost of each meal, teaching how to stretch a budget without compromising nutrition or taste. Together, they explore alternatives to fast food and practice meal prepping for busy nights.
Why nutrition education matters
For pregnant and parenting women, good nutrition is vital. A healthy diet during pregnancy supports a baby’s growth, brain development and reduces risks like low birth weight or premature birth. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, maternal nutrition also promotes postpartum recovery and long-term health for both mother and child.
In fact, research published in the medical journal The Lancet highlights that proper maternal nutrition during the “first 1,000 days”—from conception through a child’s second birthday—is one of the most powerful factors in shaping lifelong health, including cognitive development and disease prevention.
More than a meal
Every meal Adam prepares nourishes more than just the body—it nourishes hope, confidence and a brighter future. Learn how you can support our mission or get involved today.