‘Alice’s Garden is a sanctuary in our city.’

Madeleine Anderson works with Flour Girl and Flame, a women-owned business that takes pride in its diverse and inclusive leadership. They provided food for Doors Open Milwaukee visitors at Alice’s Garden Urban Farm. On this Sunday, the garden was celebrating the 65^th birthday of Venice Williams, executive director of Alice’s Garden.

Gianna Belgiorno: Why did you take the time to come here today?

Madeleine Anderson: Oh my gosh, there’s so many reasons, but mainly Venice Williams, the mother of Milwaukee. She’s an incredible community leader, and we are just huge fans of her. Alice’s Garden is a sanctuary in our city, and we are just beyond honored to be able to give back to the garden today.

Gianna Belgiorno: So do you work at the gardens?

Madeleine Anderson: We do not. We are with Flour Girl and Flame. We’re a woman-owned pizza and rustic wood-fired provisions business. We have a brick-and-mortar in West Allis, but we have a mobile operation, and we are committed to sustainability and local produce and often utilize Fondy Farmers Market where Venice is the executive director. And so, we were honored to be invited here today to feed the people, nourish the people, just like Alice’s Garden does for our community.

Gianna Belgiorno: Why did you guys pick this particular location?

Madeleine Anderson: It’s all because of Venice. All because of Venice, and her commitment and how beautiful is it here, right? The gardens are so special. They are a symbol of community, sustainability, growth, and we are just always happy to spend any amount of time we can here.

Gianna Belgiorno: Do you feel you know Milwaukee pretty well or not?

Madeleine Anderson: Yes, I grew up here.

Gianna Belgiorno: What did you learn about the gardens that you didn’t know before?

Madeleine Anderson: I learned that the people that support our community show up for each other, and we’re just so lucky to have each other.

Gianna Belgiorno: Are you glad you came out here today?

Madeleine Anderson: Absolutely, yes. So many great people. It’s been an absolute honor.