We love food recovery
As Valentine’s Day nears, we’re spotlighting one important way we show love for people and the planet: food recovery. Read on to hear from members of Team Spoonfuls, who share why they personally love the work we do.
“I love knowing that the work I do (and Spoonfuls as a whole does) every day allows so many people to share food with their friends and families. Sharing food is one of my favorite parts of life. It is a big way that I show my appreciation to others, and helping more people to do that is amazing.
“On a more specific note, I love it when we recover food for reasons that many people don’t think of when they hear ‘food recovery’ or ‘food rescue.’ For example, a manufacturing error that causes an item to not meet consumer standards, like these corn snacks where the print on the bag was misaligned!” – Anthony Summa, Food Recovery Coordinator
“As someone who loves food, I love food recovery! It’s a great feeling knowing that food is helping to bring our neighbors health and joy. I also love that food recovery is a win-win-win. It supports food access for people, saves stores on waste management, and lessens the environmental impact of wasted food.” – Gena Ricciardi, Director of Development, Individual Giving and Events
“Several years ago, I decided to dedicate my life to helping others. When I was considering job opportunities, there were two principal factors I was seeking. The first was to work for a cause I believe in – one that I thought was just and impactful. The second, I wanted my role to be in a ‘direct service’ capacity. I wanted to be out in the community, forming relationships with those I serve and those I serve with. Being on Spoonfuls’ Food Recovery Team has allowed me to do exactly that.” – Jimmy Doulos, Food Recovery Coordinator
“I love the different types of people I meet while providing information and food security through food recovery. Being involved with Spoonfuls has helped me learn about the importance of what we do. It’s meaningful to see how, as a community, everyone comes together to support each other.” – Richard Engram-Bright, Food Recovery Coordinator
“Food recovery is a practical tool for achieving both human and environmental impact. It’s a way of making the most of the resources we have.” – Joni Kusminsky, Senior Director of Communications & Public Affairs
“I love the joy food recovery brings to people. When we arrive to any community organization we distribute to, the first thing I see is smiles. You can almost sense a big sigh of relief from our partners, knowing that the people they serve will have the nutritious food they have been waiting for.
“I am aware of the great need in our communities and appreciate being a part of getting food to those who need it. We are here to help those in need and reduce food waste. I love every part of food recovery!” – Andrew Staiti, Food Recovery Coordinator
“When I tell people what we do at Spoonfuls, they are bewildered by the simplicity of it all – choosing to get food to people instead of letting it go to waste. What I love most about food recovery is how it just makes sense. We’re giving people fresh, nutritious food that they otherwise might not be able to get. We’re providing something to people, from all walks of life, that should be a basic human right: good food that fuels bodies, minds, and dignity.
“I’ve seen firsthand when I worked in schools that a full belly improves focus and energy. As the American writer M.F.K. Fisher said, ‘First we eat, then we do everything else.’ Maybe the food we’re recovering is fueling generations of people who are capable of doing anything and everything that they set out to do. I am humbled and proud to be a small part of their story.” – Nicole Kfoury, Director of Food Recovery Program
