When it comes to creating safe, delicious, and inclusive snacks, few have made as big an impact as Denise Woodard, the founder and CEO of Partake Foods. After struggling to find allergen-friendly snacks for her daughter, Woodard turned a personal challenge into a thriving business, revolutionizing the food industry with healthy, accessible, and allergy-conscious treats.

The Inspiration Behind Partake Foods

In 2016, Denise Woodard faced a common but frustrating problem: her young daughter, Vivienne, was diagnosed with severe food allergies, making it difficult to find snacks that were both safe and enjoyable. The lack of options on grocery store shelves inspired Woodard to take matters into her own hands, leading to the creation of Partake Foods—a brand that offers top 9 allergen-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan snacks.

Breaking Barriers and Building a Brand

Starting Partake Foods wasn’t easy. Woodard was the first Black woman to raise over $1 million in funding for a consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand, but that success didn’t come overnight. She began by selling cookies out of her car, personally pitching her products to local retailers, and bootstrapping the business in its early days.

Her perseverance paid off when major investors and brands, including Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners, recognized the potential in Partake Foods. With strategic funding and a strong mission-driven brand, Partake quickly gained shelf space in major retailers like Target, Whole Foods, and Sprouts.

Expanding the Allergen-Friendly Movement

What sets Partake Foods apart is its dedication to inclusivity and transparency. The brand’s snacks—ranging from cookies to pancake mixes—are free from the top 9 allergens, making them accessible to millions of families dealing with food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Beyond creating delicious, safe snacks, Woodard is committed to advocacy and education. She launched the Black Futures in Food & Beverage Fellowship, providing mentorship and career opportunities for Black students looking to enter the food industry. Through these efforts, she’s ensuring that future generations have better access to leadership roles in the food and beverage space.

Lessons from Denise Woodard’s Success

Denise Woodard’s journey with Partake Foods offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and food industry leaders:

1. Solve a Real Problem – Woodard identified a gap in the market and created a much-needed solution for families dealing with food allergies.
2. Resilience is Key – From selling cookies out of her car to securing major retail deals, she proved that persistence pays off.
3. Mission-Driven Brands Win – Consumers are drawn to companies that stand for something, and Partake’s commitment to safety, inclusivity, and advocacy sets it apart.
4. Give Back to the Community – Woodard isn’t just building a business; she’s uplifting future Black leaders in the industry.

The Future of Partake Foods

With continued growth, new product launches, and an unwavering dedication to making safe snacking the norm, Denise Woodard is leading a food revolution. Partake Foods has already reshaped the industry, and as awareness of food allergies and dietary inclusivity grows, the brand’s impact is only set to expand.

Denise Woodard’s story is a testament to turning personal challenges into powerful business opportunities, proving that when you blend passion with purpose, success is inevitable.