Wenham resident drawn by mission, improving food access for neighbors in need
NEWTON, MA – New England food recovery organization, Spoonfuls, announced today that Johanna Wise Sullivan, a partner in Nutter’s Client Department and co-chair of the firm’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, has joined its Board of Directors.
“I’m excited to join Spoonfuls’ Board of Directors and support their vital mission of combatting food waste and food insecurity,” said Sullivan. “They offer a truly unique approach in this field, ensuring that fresh food reaches those who need it most. Spoonfuls reduces environmental impact and promotes health and equity in our community, and I look forward to contributing to their important work.”
Sullivan, who was named by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly among its “Top Women of Law” in 2024 is dedicated to a range of causes aimed at increasing access to resources and opportunity, including serving on the boards of both the Center for Collaborative Education (CCE) and the David E. Retik/Christopher D. Mello Foundation, in addition to Spoonfuls’.
Said Spoonfuls’ Founder and CEO, Ashley Stanley, Sullivan’s background is strongly aligned with Spoonfuls’ mission. “At Spoonfuls’ we’re focused on delivering food with purpose, ensuring that excess and unsold food reaches people who need it most in communities that lack equitable access to it. Johanna, with her background in equity initiatives, understands and values the important role food recovery plays in leveling the playing field for neighbors struggling to put food on the table.”
Sullivan’s is the latest addition to Spoonfuls’ Board of Directors. It comes at an exciting time for the organization, as it continues to deliver on its ambitious strategic plan, intentionally growing its Board as it works to meet an increased need for food across Massachusetts. The food recovery organization currently keeps nearly 115,000 pounds of good food out of landfills each week. That number will continue to grow with Spoonfuls’ recent expansion to Southeastern Massachusetts and efforts aimed at improving operational efficiencies and recovering more food.
Food waste is the number one material in Massachusetts’ waste stream. Across the United States, 31% of food – 237 million tons – goes to waste each year (ReFED). At the same time, 1 in 6 households in Massachusetts is experiencing food insecurity (Project Bread). Spoonfuls works with 300+ partners across the state to recover good, excess food before it can be wasted and distributes it to food programs, like pantries, shelters, afterschool programs, and more.