Jenna’s Nut-Free Dessertery Inc.
Food has always been part of Jenna White’s life.
“My family always made sure there was plenty of it on the table no matter what it was. Growing up, we had a garden so my parents could make sure we had fresh fruit and vegetables, and I did the same thing with my children. I wanted to not only make sure my children had the proper nourishment and real food, I wanted to be able to give everybody real food.”
Jenna, of the Métis Nation of Ontario, started in a local farmers’ market to test the viability of the business to see if there was any interest in the niche market of being a completely nut-free facility. She expanded her product line to include additional natural, preservative-free food to build the wide selection that she currently sells. In addition, Jenna leased a building to house her restaurant and bakery. She has also added food mixes, such as chocolate cake and bannock, to allow those who cannot easily afford to buy baked goods the opportunity to make the products themselves.
Jenna feels that her most significant accomplishment was proving to herself how capable she was despite any challenges she has faced.
“Being legally blind really throws a curveball at you, especially when you had your eyesight for 33 years. So, for me, having gained back that confidence that I had lost, when I lost some of my independence, has been huge.”
Throughout the whole process, she is driven by her love of feeding people.
Jenna’s Nut-Free Dessertery is a multifaceted business with a restaurant, bakery, catering services, food production, market booth and soon-to-be flour mill. With a focus on fresh local ingredients, we are sharing indigenous culture through food and offering safe nut-free alternatives to the nut-free community.
We use minimalistic recipe styles without using artificial flavours, additives or preservatives. We believe quality and consumer health is the most important thing we can offer. We feed people like they are family.
I believe food is a great way to share culture and create true appreciation. This is exactly what I’m doing through all avenues of my business including offering traditional meals and catering
Jenna’s Nut-Free Dessertery is located in Fredericton, NB.