Hi, I’m Emma, the baker behind Good Neighbor Foods.

I’ve lived in DC for eight years, and somewhere between farmers markets, potlucks, and handing off still-warm baked goods to friends and neighbors, I realized something simple: food is one of the easiest ways to build real community.

That’s what this project is about.

Good Neighbor Foods started with sourdough waffles because the waffle aisle in the grocery store was feeling a little uninspired and predictable. I wanted something that felt more alive, more fun, and more worth sharing.

Sourdough waffles bring that energy. They’re naturally fermented, which makes them easier to digest for many people and gives them a deeper, tangier flavor that regular waffles just can’t compete with. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of character.

But this isn’t just about waffles.

It’s about creating something that makes people pause, gather, and connect, whether that’s a slow weekend morning, a neighborhood pop-up, or a shared plate passed between friends. It’s also about helping build the kind of neighborhood I want to live in: one that is welcoming, inclusive, and connected.

As Good Neighbor Foods grows, we’re committed to supporting organizations and community initiatives that make our neighborhoods more equitable and inclusive through donations, partnerships, and showing up for causes that bring people together.

Good Neighbor Foods is my way of deepening my roots in DC and contributing something small but meaningful to the community I love. Better waffles, made with care, meant to be shared.

Pull up a chair. There’s always room for one more neighbor.