At just 18, Nicole Bjornsen has combined her passion for fashion with a heartfelt mission to support local families facing food insecurity. Using the Depop resale app, she sold over 260 items to fund more than 200 meals through her initiative Sweet Balance.
- Sold 261 items on Depop to raise $1,654
- Provided over 200 meals to more than 50 families
- Supports Samaritan House food bank in San Mateo
What happened
Nicole Bjornsen, a college student in California, started reselling donated and gently used clothes on the popular resale app Depop in May 2026. She founded Sweet Balance & CareLink to channel proceeds directly into feeding families in her local community, focusing on San Mateo County.
By carefully curating and selling over 261 items, Nicole raised $1,654, half of which she spends on fresh meals for families while donating the other half to Samaritan House, a local food bank dedicated to fighting poverty. Her initiative has helped provide more than 200 meals for over 50 families so far.
Why it feels good
Nicole’s motivation stems from her personal experiences caring for her immigrant grandmother, who faced challenges securing nutritious food and healthcare. This inspired her to support others in similar situations, making the project deeply meaningful and community-centered.
The simplicity of turning something she enjoys—fashion and reselling—into a vehicle for positive change makes this project both empowering and accessible. Nicole’s hands-on approach, from sorting and shipping clothes herself to visiting food banks, creates a fulfilling way to see the impact up close.
What to enjoy or watch next
Nicole encourages others to start with what they have and choose causes close to home where they can witness the difference they make. Her experience highlights how small efforts can grow quickly and have real-world benefits when shared with others in the community.
Keep an eye on Sweet Balance as it expands its reach, combining sustainability with social good. For those inspired, donating clothes or simply supporting local food banks are great ways to join this movement of uplift and care.