As a nonprofit, our work would be impossible without the generosity and dedication of our amazing team of volunteers. Today we spotlight one of these hardworking folks: Emma!
Emma started volunteering at the end of September and has been a committed packline volunteer since! She has participated in four packline shifts so far — packing orders for Market Mobile, our wholesale delivery service. She has been a consistent early-morning volunteer on Tuesdays, and offers to stop in on mornings we’re shorthanded. She has been an excellent contribution to our team!
Why do you volunteer with Farm Fresh Rhode Island?
To meet new people and learn more about the behind-the-scenes of how my fresh fruits and vegetables end up at my college cafeteria!
Do you have a favorite memory from volunteering with Farm Fresh RI that you’d like to share?
My first time volunteering, I managed to take part in spilling a whole 12-pint flat of cherry tomatoes on the floor, which was the very last item to be sent on the list. After two hours of successful packline, I watched as the vegetables scattered to every corner of the room. A lot of laughs and nail biting after that funny memory.
How has volunteering with Farm Fresh RI impacted you?
Volunteering with Farm Fresh RI has opened my eyes to see the tremendous hard work put on behind the scenes of the fresh food I eat at university, restaurants, and shops that I didn’t even think twice about!
What have you learned about yourself, others, or the local food system through volunteering with Farm Fresh Rhode Island?
I’m more aware and grateful of the fresh food I am able to eat daily, that many people don’t have the privilege of.
When you’re not volunteering, what do you like to do in your spare time?
When I’m not volunteering, I work a seasonal job and take extra classes in areas I’m interested in like artificial intelligence and film!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with Farm Fresh RI?
To volunteer without a doubt. It will help you create connections and friends that you wouldn’t be able to meet otherwise! It’s also an experience where you can learn a lot about yourself.
Why do you support Farm Fresh RI?
Farm Fresh plays a huge part in fresh food I eat everyday, and I support the dedication and hard work they put into everything they do!
What is your favorite local fruit or vegetable?
Grapes and watermelon!
Thank you, Emma, for your time volunteering with us!
— Jaime, Volunteer Coordinator and the whole Farm Fresh RI team
Interested in volunteering with us?
Learn more and apply.
