At Farm Fresh RI, every box of recovered food tells a bigger story–one of connection, community care, and the power of working together to fight hunger. One of our committed volunteers, Andrea Epstein, shares how her journey demonstrates the impact of volunteer involvement on our local food system.
“I’ve been volunteering with Hope’s Harvest for three seasons now,” Andrea shared. “And this year, I’m also working as a Farm Fresh farmers market associate. I’ve really grown through both roles, learning about the local and federal programs that increase food access. Working at farmers markets gives me the chance to see some of the same farms and farmers I’ve gleaned from—it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the full cycle of food distribution and access in Rhode Island.”
Like many of our volunteers, Andrea heard about our Hope’s Harvest program through a community connection. “I was in URI’s Master Gardening program when a fellow student told me about Hope’s Harvest. She was so enthusiastic about it, and after joining, I completely understood why.” What drew her in even more is the flexibility we offer for volunteers: “I work full-time, so I really appreciated how Hope’s Harvest gleaning fits into my schedule. It allows me to volunteer in a meaningful way, even with a busy work week.”
While she started out without much experience working on farms, Andrea has since grown into a seasoned gleaner. “I had some knowledge of community hunger relief resources, but I’d never had my hands in the dirt until I started gleaning with Hope’s Harvest. The process has been surprisingly easy to get into, and I find it so satisfying on many levels.”
One of her favorite things about food recovery is its tangible impact: “Physically, you accomplish something. You can see the food you pick and know where it’s going—to an agency or program that’s feeding people who need it. It’s real and meaningful.” For Andrea, the combination of physical work, social connection, and wider impact that food recovery offers is what keeps her coming back.
For anyone considering gleaning with Hope’s Harvest, her advice is simple: “Be warned, gleaning could be your gateway food equity experience! While you could go to just one glean and have a great time, a lot of us keep coming back (and back and back…) because it’s just that satisfying.”
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just looking to get your hands in the dirt for the first time, there’s a place for you in our volunteer community—and who knows? It might just be the start of something bigger.
Thank you, Andrea, for your passion and commitment to our mission!
Looking to get involved? Sign up to volunteer with Farm Fresh RI today!
