Our Team

The Produce Project adventure got started one day at the Raleigh Farmer’s Market when Mike started buying produce in bulk just for his small family of 2. He learned quickly just how much bulk buying power could save local families, and we've grown from there.  Today we are a volunteer run nonprofit organization connecting and serving hundreds of local families.  Instead of profits, what we make is donations -between 1,000 and 2,000 lbs per week that go to hungry families in Raleigh.  We hope you'll come get a share or come volunteer with us!
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Kelli Pfitzner

Director and Produce Buyer

Kelli joined us in June 2020. She came to us with experience in the nonprofit world and a real passion for the good she does in her community. She wakes up early every Wednesday and Thursday to buy all of our produce, lines up volunteers, and manages the volunteers who show up and make the shares. She is constantly cleaning and revamping our pick up spaces and truck! In March 2022, Kelli took over as Director of the Produce Project after volunteering for years. She has endless energy for giving back to anyone in need. She has tons of ideas to grow and expand our little project. She is also a business owner in the community, as well as running Bridge The Gap. She never stops!

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Chelsea Kiefer

Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

Chelsea joined us in September 2020. If you have interacted with us on social media, chances are you have spoken to her. She also makes our monthly newsletter, updates the website, and creates marketing materials. She loves eating healthy, dogs, and history. She has prior experience in dog rescue and historical nonprofits. Send a message on any of our social media platforms if you want to talk to her!

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Maddie Laughlin

Customer Relations Coordinator

Maddie joined us in September 2021. They also volunteer with one of our partners: Food Not Bombs. They are the smiling face you will see when you come in to pick up your produce. If you have any questions, Maddie is the person to talk to, and they will get your all "sorted" out! Maddie is a wealth of ideas to make our project serve the community even better! Say "hi" the next time you're in.
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Mike Shumake - Founder

Mike Shumake, aka Shu to his online students, comes from about a decade of face to face classroom experience in traditional and innovative alternative schools. He has a Master’s in School Administration at NCSU and was the online teacher of the year for the state of NC in 2009. He started The Produce Project in 2015, and turned it over to Kelli in 2022.