Linda started volunteering with us after we reached out to our food industry customers asking for volunteers. She has been an incredible help during these crazy times, helping us pack orders during packline, and building boxes to hold those orders. We have loved having her as part of our team for the past three months!
Why do you volunteer with Farm Fresh RI?
I work for Sodexo at Stonehill College. Stonehill takes part in the REAL food challenge and we are always looking for ways to increase our real food purchases and offerings for students. Farm to institution is an important process Sodexo and Stonehill are trying to increase. We started purchasing from Farm Fresh RI’s Market Mobile last year and when I received an email from Farm Fresh to volunteer during the COVID-19 crisis I thought it would be a great way to help and learn more about the farm to institution process.
Do you have a favorite memory from volunteering with Farm Fresh RI?
Just watching the camaraderie during packline has been great.
How has volunteering with Farm Fresh RI impacted you?
Personally and professionally supporting local farmers and businesses is important to me. Having a strong local economy is more important now than ever, and helping to keep local farmers and businesses open is vital. It has been great to see how many individual customers have been purchasing from Market Mobile.
What did you know about the local food system before volunteering with Farm Fresh RI and what do you know now?
I have worked with Stonehill student groups and attended two FINE conferences and a Stonehill Farm Summit. It was nice to see what we talk about in groups at conferences in action. I look forward to sharing my experiences with the students at Stonehill.
When you’re not volunteering, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Walking my dog, kayaking, camping, and reading.
What would you tell someone who was thinking about volunteering with Farm Fresh RI?
It is a great opportunity to help and support your local food system.
What is your favorite local fruit or vegetable?
I love the salad mix from Queen’s Greens.
Thank you, Linda, for your time volunteering!
