In the Driver's Seat: Abby Hurd

I have been an FRC for two years.

The most gratifying part is being able to deliver a truckload of food to my various partners each day, knowing that it is all going to great use, as well as the interactions I have with the people along my route. I enjoy that the people at the stores I go to are excited that the food they donate is going to feed people. They often ask where I deliver it and are curious about how it will be used, whether it’s going to be cooked as part of a communal meal or given out at a pantry. I enjoy getting to interact with my beneficiary partners each day and learning more about them. I am continuously amazed by everything they do to ensure the food we deliver gets to those who need it.  

A myth/misunderstanding I’d like to bust is that the people and organizations who rely on rescued food will take anything and everything. This isn’t true. As Food Rescue Coordinators, we check donations for quality and leave food behind if it’s rotten or way past its time to be eaten. If food looks like something you wouldn’t feel safe eating yourself or wouldn’t want to feed to your friends or family, then it shouldn’t be donated.

I usually don’t have too much trouble staying patient on the road. I listen to podcasts and music which is a good way to pass the time when stuck in traffic.

I always come back to this beneficiary, but I would say Nansee and Marlon at Lifeboat Boston Food Pantry. Most days I show up with a full truck of food. They welcome as much food as we can bring them and tirelessly work to distribute all of it, even if it is just the two of them that day. Not only do they operate a pantry, but they also work to stock community fridges around the city.

The majority of my rescues are healthy, but I have a major sweet tooth, so I was really excited to get these boxes of candy (see above) from Stop u0026 Shop in Allston. I have a beneficiary partner in Woburn whose guests love candy as much as I do, so it was great to be able to bring it to them.

I would have my own farm/garden and would also try to learn to play as many musical instruments as I could. 

I can juggle!