In the Driver's Seat, Christy!
How long have you been in your current role?
As of today, I’ve been a part-time Food Rescue Coordinator for one year!
What’s the most gratifying part of your job?
In my other work as a pastor, a lot of what I do is incredibly meaningful but often invisible – it’s soul work – emotional and mental. In working with Lovin’ Spoonfuls, we’re physical, moving several thousand pounds of food a day, making an immediate difference we can see. It’s really nice to have that balance – long-term change and short-term problem solving, while also working systemically across the board to create a better and more equitable world.
What’s a myth about food rescue (or rescued food) that you’d like to bust?
Date labels are silly. If it’s a container that’s bulging or oozing, toss it, don’t chance it. But if it’s meat a day or two past date, produce or dairy a week out, or even eggs two weeks out, if all looks and smells fine – go for it! Really, they are sell-/best-by dates which are an indication of quality, not whether a product is safe to consume.
What’s a strategy you use to stay safe (or patient) behind the wheel?
In this summer’s heat, I’ve been reminded of the importance of staying hydrated. For me, having water or seltzer to drink while on the road has kept me alert and safe behind the wheel.
Tell us about one partner – vendor or non-profit – that inspires you. How come?
I love that A Place to Turn Food Pantry in Natick partners with other local organizations like the Fox Hill Garden Club, which recently harvested celery and mint to supplement their food distributions! I love the idea that we’re not siloed and doing our work independently; rather, we can make a much greater impact when we work together.
Attach a photo of the most wild/wonderful thing you rescued recently.
I’ve included a photo of a bag of coffee beans roasted at Karma Coffee in Sudbury, MA that we recently rescued from Whole Foods in Bellingham, MA. Several years ago, I used to work in Sudbury, and Karma Coffee was my favorite go-to. It brought back great memories!
If you weren’t a Food Rescue Coordinator, what would you be doing instead?
Probably working with another non-profit like Spoonfuls in food insecurity – it’s such a joy to be doing this work!
Tell us one little-known fact about you.
I recently took up Ballroom and Latin dancing, and I’m learning Waltz, East Coast Swing, and Merengue!