As a nonprofit, we are eager for individuals to join our volunteer team and bring fresh perspectives. Today we spotlight one of our newest volunteers, Alyssa! Alyssa has chosen to complete her summer High School volunteer service with Farm Fresh RI! She is an amazing volunteer with our Market Mobile packline — and a huge support to our Market Mobile team (you may have even meet her when picking up an order recently). Alyssa has also been able to participate in a couple of gleans with our Hope’s Harvest team. Thank you Alyssa!
Why do you volunteer with Farm Fresh RI?
I am volunteering with Farm Fresh as a part of my senior project at my high school. I wanted to be a part of Farm Fresh’s mission to distribute fresh produce around the state.
What is one thing you would like every interested volunteer to know?
The issue of food access inequality is so important and I feel like I’m really making a difference here in Rhode Island by volunteering.
What have you learned about yourself, others, or the local food system through volunteering with Farm Fresh RI?
I knew that lower income areas oftentimes don’t have much access to healthy produce, but that’s really where my knowledge peaked. During my time with Farm Fresh I’ve gotten to learn what that inequality looks like in Rhode Island and how Farm Fresh is combating it.
When you’re not volunteering, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a huge plant person, I love being around nature whether that means hanging around the pond I live near or tending to my greenhouse.
What would you tell someone who was thinking about volunteering with Farm Fresh Rhode Island?
Absolutely do it. Not only are you making a difference in your community, everyone here is incredibly welcoming and kind and you’ll for sure have a great experience.
Why do you support Farm Fresh Rhode Island?
Farm Fresh’s mission is something that aligns very strongly with my values. I believe everyone has a right to fresh and healthy food and that it’s really important to get this food to people that might not usually have access to it.
What is your favorite local fruit or vegetable?
Apples — specifically honeycrisp, they’re my favorite ever.
