Denise Woodard – CPG entrepreneur and advocate for allergy-friendly snacking

In this very special 100th episode of Forktales, we’re joined by Denise Woodard. Denise is the trailblazing founder and CEO of Partake Foods, a line of allergy-friendly snacks inspired by her daughter’s food allergies. As the first Black woman to raise more than $1 million publicly for a CPG food startup, Denise has become a powerful advocate for inclusive entrepreneurship, food equity, and consumer wellness.

On this episode of Forktales, Denise shares how a push from her nanny and a chance zoo encounter sparked her leap from corporate life to founder. She discusses the challenges of allergy-safe food manufacturing, evolving her brand message, and why family, mission, and great-tasting cookies are at the heart of Partake’s success.