Today we’d like to introduce you to Tennille Cooley.
Tennille, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Goodness In Grains based on a need to have access to healthier eating options in my community (Douglasville, Georgia). God gave me the name Goodness In Grains in a dream, and while I didn’t know the reason for the name at the time, I sat on it for 2-3 weeks to make sure I was obedient to what God wanted me to do with the name. I had no idea it would grow to what it is today (and still growing).
Still working full-time at my corporate job, I had a desire for a healthy, hearty salad, so I ordered Uber Eats for a salad from a salad shop, and the closest location was Cumberland Mall, which is 24 miles away. Uber Eats cancelled the order, saying I lived too far. In my frustration, God spoke to me in that moment and said, “This is what I want you to do with that name”. Not knowing anything about starting a salad business, I began by utilizing the resources I learned and developed a business plan based on my current knowledge. Since we started, we have been the go-to vendor for pop-up shops at fitness and community events.
I am still learning and have been enjoying the journey along the way. I have also found a lot of fulfillment in this past year. In July 2024, I was laid off from my employer and received a severance package. I decided to take this opportunity to work on this business full-time and let God do the rest.
Today, we continue to make a positive impact by educating communities on the value of healthy eating and providing healthy options through delivery, meal prep, and pop-up shops. In a world where the pace of life can be relentless, the need for accessible, nutritious options that celebrate both flavor and well-being is more evident than ever. GOODNESS IN GRAINS, LLC recognizes this demand and strives to fill the gap by offering a diverse menu tailored to individual preferences. Our commitment to health, flavor, and accessibility is not just a culinary choice but a response to the growing need for wholesome meals that support a healthier lifestyle. We understand the importance of mindful eating and seek to inspire well-being by providing delectable, nutritious options that empower individuals on their journey to a healthier life.
At Goodness In Grains, LLC, our mission is to provide nutrient-dense, customizable food options that inspire healthy eating and foster a culture of wellness in underserved communities.
The mission statement above reflects Goodness In Grains, LLC’s plans to serve the target population by providing them with a better chance to live quality lives through excellent food offerings. Through our culinary creations, we educate and empower individuals to make conscious choices that nourish both body and soul. Each bite is a step on the path to vibrant health, and we take pride in being a guiding force on their journey, where every meal becomes a celebration of well-being.
At Goodness In Grains, LLC, we envision a world where vibrant, healthy food options are accessible to all people in all communities by inspiring mindful eating and fostering a happier, healthier global community through flavorful, nutrient-dense food choices. We aim to connect, celebrate, and make a meaningful impact by serving all cultures with a unique style of comfort food and quality nourishment that fosters vibrancy and connection, all within a curated setting of joy.
Today, we are working towards three meaningful goals:
1. Expand our reach through building a custom state-of-the-art mobile salad bar trailer to go beyond a traditional brick-and-mortar offering healthy, nutrient-dense meals throughout Georgia communities in food swamps and food desert areas.
2. Curate meaningful partnerships with our local community organizations
3. Continue to seek grant funding to help us address food disparities in communities where the assistance is needed the most.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, not at all, but it hasn’t stopped our mission of helping people eat healthier. When we started Goodness In Grains, it was at the end of the initial COVID-19 outbreak. Realizing restaurants and other businesses were closing, we embarked on this journey despite the challenges. It is also why we have chosen to pursue a mobile food trailer instead of a physical location. Although I have used personal savings for initial investments, the limited start-up costs have hindered our progress, yet we are still moving forward. This is why we need to continue to seek grant funding to help us continue the mission of Goodness In Grains.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?
Goodness In Grains is a health-focused food venture rooted in the belief that eating well should be both accessible and flavorful. We specialize in fresh, nutrient-dense salads, wraps, grain bowls, cold-pressed juices, and custom seasoning blends, designed for people who want convenience without compromising their health. Beyond food, our mission is deeply tied to community impact—we are committed to tackling food deserts and food swamps by bringing fresh, wholesome options directly to communities where they are needed most.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
We are known for creating chef-inspired, ready-to-enjoy meals and beverages that merge great taste with clean, high-quality ingredients. Signature offerings like our Inflammazing juice (pineapple, ginger, turmeric), and our seasonal grain bowls reflect our specialty: making functional, nourishing foods that support wellness, immunity, and energy. Our products are packaged for on-the-go lifestyles, whether through grocery partnerships, cafés, or direct-to-consumer delivery.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets Goodness In Grains apart is our fusion of health, flavor, and social mission. We don’t just create meals—we design an experience that’s culturally relevant, sustainable, and community-driven. Our products are:
Nutrient-dense and functional (anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, energy-sustaining)
Brand-story driven (every product has a purpose and a name that resonates with wellness)
Community-minded (partnering with schools, local cafés, and underserved neighborhoods)
Flexible in format (from in-flight meal concepts to campus cafés to nationwide shipping).
Unlike traditional meal providers, we lead with impact and accessibility, while still delivering premium quality.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
We are most proud of the way our brand resonates across both wellness and community spaces. From introducing innovative blends like “Inflammazing” to building collaborations with partners like Delta Airlines, Savi Provisions, and Just Love Coffee, we’ve created a brand that feels premium yet inclusive. Our packaging, naming, and storytelling bring our mission to life—Goodness In Grains isn’t just a food brand, it’s a movement to make healthy eating the norm, not the exception.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
We want readers to know that Goodness In Grains offers more than food—it provides solutions for healthier living. Our portfolio includes:
Meals: Fresh grain bowls, salads, and wraps that balance flavor and nutrition.
Beverages: Cold-pressed juices like Hydrate-n-Recover, Beets by “G”, Inflamazing, Peach Please, and cleanse programs
Snacks: Our signature Goodness Trail Mix is designed with blood-type-specific blends for personalized wellness
Seasonings & Dressings: Custom blends like Savory Seoul Vinaigrette, Goodness House Vinaigrette, and a versatile seafood seasoning
Most importantly, we want readers to know that choosing Goodness In Grains means choosing a brand that’s intentional, authentic, and community-focused—bringing Goodness into every grain, sip, and bite.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating impact that lasts—impact on people’s health, their confidence, and their opportunities. Food has always been deeply personal for me; it’s how we connect, heal, and care for one another. That’s why I built Goodness In Grains: to show that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or out of reach—it can be simple, flavorful, and available to everyone.
As a Black female entrepreneur and scholar, I’m driven by the responsibility to close gaps—in access, in representation, and in resources. What matters most is not just growing a brand, but creating a legacy that uplifts communities, inspires healthier living, and redefines what it means to thrive.
At the core of our brand is a commitment to accessibility and equity in wellness. We are proud to tackle food deserts and swamps by making fresh, nutrient-dense options available in places that often lack them. What matters most is that when people choose Goodness In Grains, they feel they are part of something bigger: a movement to make healthy eating the standard, not the exception.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goodnessingrains.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodnessingrains/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554542396193
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodnessingrains/
Image Credits
Image credit – A Rene’ Photography
