Take our listener survey to help shape the future of Area Code: Batavia. (and earn a chance to win $25 in Chamber Bucks!)

Is Batavia actually special, or is that just something we tell ourselves?

In this episode, I speak to Eileen Passero, Executive Director of the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, to explore how their work relates to Batavia's character and aspirations for itself.

We discuss why the old "box of mystery food" model is gone, how a "Client Choice" shopping experience restores dignity, and the incredible series of events—involving a stressed-out Eileen and a student driver—that led them to this specific building.

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Gain access to Batavia Favs segments, behind-the-scenes insights, free access for you and a friend to our live shows, and complimentary local perks from some of your favorite local businesses.

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Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Take our listener survey to help shape the future of Area Code: Batavia. (and earn a chance to win $25 in Chamber Bucks!)

A few weeks ago, Paula Mueller, the owner of Paula’s Couture Consignment dropped a bombshell - she would be giving up ownership of Paula’s.

But this announcement came with another announcement: Paula’s now has a new owner, long-time Paula’s employee, and entrepreneur herself, Amanda Mistretta.

I’ve talked to Paula before for this podcast, and I was struck by just how important Paula’s was to so many when it comes to their sense of belonging in Batavia. And not just to her customers, but to Paula herself.

So when I heard this news I knew I had to talk to Paula’s and Amanda about exactly how this came to be, how Paula prepared herself to give up her own creation, and how Amanda moved past the inevitable imposter syndrome to step into this new stage of her own life.

Join The 630 Community - Gain access to Batavia Favs segments, behind-the-scenes insights, free access for you and a friend to our live shows, and complimentary local perks (coming soon!).

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Take our listener survey to help shape the future of Area Code: Batavia. (and earn a chance to win $25 in Chamber Bucks!)

This week, we're dropping a bonus episode to hold you over until our next main installment!

We're sharing two segments from our exclusive bonus content series, Batavia Favs. This series is an ongoing feature for members of our official membership community, The 630, where guests share their favorite places, events, and activities in Batavia, Illinois.

Featured in this episode:

• Talitha Mueller (The Popcorn Depot) shares her favorite seasonal activities, the one event she never misses, and the one quality about Batavia she hopes never changes.
• Brittany Sabatino (Arlo.Hendrix) shares her go-to advice for newcomers, the importance of shopping local, and the best place to find inspiration in Batavia.

Join The 630 Community - Gain access to more Batavia Favs segments, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive hangouts, and complimentary local perks (coming soon!).

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.