Nourishing Moms & Building Community: Meet Village
Meet Village, a new postpartum meal delivery service in Naples that’s transforming the way new mothers experience the early days of parenthood.
Village founders Lauren Dunin and Kristin Salome first crossed paths in 2023 during pivotal moments in their lives: Kristin was expecting her son, Cade, while Lauren was adjusting to life with her newborn, Beau. What started as a shared experience of entering motherhood soon blossomed into a deep passion for wellness and a commitment to supporting other new mothers through their postpartum journeys.
The idea for Village emerged organically for the two following a simple act of care. “It all started with our friend Dani—she was nine months pregnant, and we went to her home to prep a handful of nutrient-dense meals for her postpartum recovery,” Lauren explains. “After she gave birth, she told us how those meals were a lifeline.” That moment sparked their vision for a service that offers not just meals, but also comfort, nourishment, and emotional support to new mothers during one of the most rewarding—and challenging—times of their lives.
Filling The Gap in Postpartum Care
When Kristin and Lauren launched Village, they quickly realized that Naples, a city with a growing community of younger families, had a significant gap in postpartum support. “While there’s plenty of focus on prenatal care, the postpartum period often feels overlooked, leaving new moms to navigate their recovery alone,” says Kristin. “We saw a real need for nourishing, purposeful meals designed specifically for postpartum healing—something that not only feeds moms but truly supports their recovery.” Their solution was simple yet profound: meals that nourish not only the body but also the soul.
For both founders, their own personal experiences with postpartum recovery played a huge role in shaping their mission. Lauren experienced a difficult postpartum recovery, which opened her eyes to the isolation many new mothers face. Kristin, a dietitian, was acutely aware of how important nutrition is during the postpartum period—not just physically, but emotionally, too. “Our shared experiences as mothers made us realize just how vital it is for women to feel cared for during those tender weeks after birth,” says Kristin.
A Menu Crafted for Healing
Village’s menu isn’t just about taste; it’s about function. Lauren and Kristin carefully select every ingredient for its healing properties. They lean on Ayurvedic principles, incorporating warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric, all known for their restorative qualities. “Bone broth is liquid gold for postpartum recovery,” Kristin says, emphasizing its role in replenishing nutrients, supporting tissue repair, and aiding digestion. Collagen-rich broths and iron-packed meals are staples, ensuring that each bite does more than just fill the stomach—it fuels the body’s recovery.
And while each meal is meticulously designed with healing in mind, they don’t skimp on flavor. Lauren’s personal favorites are the chuck roast stew and the sweet potato yogurt bowl, while Kristin can’t get enough of the savory breakfast bowl and chia pudding. “Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of our meals,” Lauren laughs.
Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood
Running a business while raising young children is no small feat. Both Lauren and Kristin navigate the delicate balance between their professional responsibilities and family life. “It’s a constant dance,” Lauren admits. “Some days we’re testing recipes with babies on our hips or answering emails during nap time. But the beauty of Village is that it was built by moms, for moms. So we give ourselves (and each other) grace.”
Kristin echoes this sentiment: “We remind ourselves why we started this. It’s about creating a life where we can support our families and help other women heal. It’s not always balanced, but it’s always worth it.”
For these two women, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. The most gratifying moments come from the messages they receive from parents who have experienced their meals. “When parents tell us they finally had a warm meal after a long day or that our food made them feel cared for in a way they didn’t even know they needed, it’s a reminder of why we do this,” Lauren reflects. “It’s not just about food; it’s about showing up for people when they need it the most.”
Advice for New Moms and Beyond
When asked what advice they would give their pre-parenthood selves, both Lauren and Kristin offer words of wisdom rooted in self-care and patience. Lauren would tell her former self, “Healing doesn’t just happen on its own—physically or emotionally. It’s okay to ask for help, to rest, and to nourish yourself first. You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Kristin, on the other hand, would urge herself to slow down and trust the process: “As moms, we often feel like we need to have it all figured out, but my job is to care for myself and my baby—and everything else can wait.”
Village’s Impact on Naples
Village has quickly become a beloved resource for new families in Naples. In a community where new moms can sometimes feel isolated, Village has created a true sense of belonging. Whether it's a meal delivery or a quiet moment of reassurance, the founders of Village are ensuring that no new mom has to go through the postpartum experience alone.
More than just a meal delivery service, Village is a reminder that taking care of ourselves—especially as new mothers—is essential. With Lauren and Kristin at the helm, this small business has blossomed into a supportive, loving community that every parent in Naples can rely on.
For more information about Village or to explore their menu and services, please visit their website.
