Meet Emma!
Emma Dismukes joined our team in March 2015 as a Food Rescue Driver
How did you arrive at Lovin’ Spoonfuls?
A very fruitful Internet search led me to a job posting for a food rescue driver. It was so different from anything else I’d seen, and definitely right up my alley of interests, so I just had to apply!
Describe a typical work day. How does your job differ from the average truck driver?
Well, it starts with a lot of coffee! I pretty much bounce back and forth between vendors and beneficiaries all day because I drive our smallest capacity truck. It’s great to be able to tell our vendors that I’m heading straight to the local pantry that is just a few doors down. It tends to kick them into gear a bit more. There’s a more personal connection between everyone I see daily and the typical delivery person.
What’s the strangest/most exotic food item you’ve picked up from a vendor?
If you check out the Lovin’ Spoonfuls Instagram post from about a month ago you’ll see a great picture of my purple-nailed fingers clutching two pretty funky looking fruits! A horned melon and a starfruit. I should probably pick them up myself sometime to try them out.
What are some of your favorite tunes/radio stations that you listen to on the road?
I almost always spend my days listening to WGBH and/or WBUR. It’s one of the best perks of the job – getting to stay extremely on top of the news and really random but fun stories. Sometimes I’ll listen to a podcast here or there…and if it’s been a long day I sometimes put on some music to keep my momentum up!
Do your friends and family consider you a good cook? Any signature recipes?
I cook the turkey at both family Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving. I think that means they trust me! I make a mean lasagna.
What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
I am always packing a ton of produce, hummus, and Greek yogurt, trying to be healthy and whatnot. But I have to admit that I also am a sucker for chips and salsa and I’m just really crazy about cream cheese.
What’s your favorite childhood food memory?
My family takes taco night very seriously. We invite family friends over every week or two. As the years have gone by, the toppings bar has grown more elaborate. Now we bake our own shells and the bowls for the toppings wrap all the way around the table!
Has this job made you more aware of your own consumption habits? Have you made any significant changes as a result?
I think I initially applied for this job because of my consumption habits. I’ve never been a big food waster. It has always been a big pet peeve of mine. Particularly when people don’t check if things have actually spoiled, but just throw them away because the date has passed.
What’s your favorite place/restaurant/neighborhood in Boston?
I really enjoy the food scene around Harvard square. I live up in that area and the restaurants meet every style – from casual/quick grab to high end. And they’re all delicious!
What is your motto?
I live by two sayings; carpe diem and let your passions drive you. I never want to live with regrets and I don’t think there is any sense in not following a lifestyle or work life that you care deeply about.
Who are your heroes?
Uhhh…my brother???