Consistency in Action

For Lisa Mathews, Executive Director of The Bulb, it starts with something simple: knowing food will be available today, next week, and next month.

Earlier this year, The Bulb received SVP Charlotte’s Investee Grant, which provides multi-year funding and capacity building support. During our recent Partner Social at The Innovation Barn, our donor volunteers had the opportunity to learn more about the organization’s approach to food access and meet the people behind the work. In a follow-up conversation, Executive Director Lisa Mathews shared additional insight into the lessons, challenges, and opportunities that continue to shape The Bulb’s growth.

For nearly a decade, The Bulb has increased access to fresh produce through a network of barrier-free mobile markets operating across Charlotte. At the center of that work is a commitment to consistency.

“When people think about food access, they often think about food supply,” Lisa shared. “But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that access depends just as much on consistency. Families need to know where food will be available, when it will be there, and that it will still be there next week.”

That philosophy shapes how The Bulb operates its markets. Locations, schedules, and timing are intentionally designed to fit within the routines of the communities they serve. Some markets are coordinated around school pickup times. Others are hosted alongside healthcare providers, creating opportunities for community members to access fresh produce with other essential services.

The goal is not simply to provide food in moments of need, but to create a dependable resource that families can rely on week after week. Consistency extends beyond market schedules. It also shows up in the relationships that sustain the work.

When asked what gives her hope right now, Lisa pointed to the way Charlotte responds when challenges arise.

“People showed up. They volunteered. They donated. They shared resources. They checked in on neighbors,” she said. “Charlotte is at its best when neighbors step up for neighbors.”

That spirit was visible during the SVP Partner Social itself. As attendees learned about The Bulb’s efforts to collect and reuse clean produce clamshell containers and egg cartons, several Partners returned with donations before the evening had even concluded. It was a simple reminder that meaningful contributions come in many forms.

As The Bulb looks ahead, much of the organization’s focus is centered on strengthening the systems that support its growing impact.

“Over the last several years, we’ve seen more families attend markets, more volunteers get involved, more food move through our programs, and more organizations reach out looking to partner,” Lisa explained. “We’re incredibly grateful for that growth, but it also creates new demands on a small team.”

Like many nonprofits, The Bulb navigates challenges of ensuring that the organization behind the work grows alongside the need for its services. Building sustainable systems and strengthening operations are all part of preparing for the next chapter.

“The goal isn’t simply to do more,” Lisa shared. “It’s to make sure we can continue doing this work well, consistently, and sustainably for years to come.”

As The Bulb looks toward that next chapter, those conversations are part of what makes the organization’s new partnership with SVP Charlotte especially meaningful.

“The funding SVP provides is absolutely valuable,” Lisa said, “but what excites both our board and staff most is the opportunity to learn alongside people who bring different expertise, perspectives, and experiences to the table.”

While the partnership is still in its early stages, both organizations are beginning conversations about how SVP’s network of skilled volunteers and advisors can help support The Bulb’s long-term goals.