People of Spoonfuls: Kat Sochacka, Food Recovery Coordinator
Food recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes a community of food donors, community-based organizations, funders, and committed food recovery staff to help make the most of food while it’s still good to eat and get it to those who could use it. In “People of Spoonfuls,” we introduce you to the many people who help make our food recovery work possible.
Today, meet Kat Sochacka, one of our Food Recovery Coordinators based in Southeastern Massachusetts.
What is your favorite part of your role?
My favorite part of being a Food Recovery Coordinator is the relationships we build with our community partners. Picking up the food and seeing so much of it is always exciting, but the personal connections make the work most meaningful for me.
What might surprise people unfamiliar with food recovery about our work?
How much food is produced that would go to waste in the first place. Somehow, in the U.S., we have both an overproduction issue and a hunger issue. That was the part that surprised me most when I started this role.
Who on Team Spoonfuls inspires you?
It’s so hard to pick just one person. All of my fellow Food Recovery Coordinators inspire me. You have Anthony, who trained me, who brings diligence and ease to his work. Andrew is a go-getter. Henry has so much energy and compassion for our partners. There’s Chloe, who has such a chill vibe and makes the work fun. Everyone brings something different to the table that inspires me throughout all the work I do!
What is a misconception you had about food recovery before working at Spoonfuls?
A misconception I had about food recovery was that people intuitively understand food recovery! There’s so much communication and education that organizations like Spoonfuls have to do to help the community maximize our services. We’re communicating with vendors about what kinds of foods we can accept and why, coordinating with community organizations across the state to ensure we’re meeting their needs the best we can, and helping to provide information and resources about the benefits of food recovery and being more mindful of food waste to all our partners. It’s a very collaborative effort.
How do you reduce food waste in your personal life?
I work to only take what I need. I plan ahead when I shop, consider what I will actually be able to use while it’s still good to eat, and practice mindfulness as much as possible when it comes to my consumption.
What’s your favorite meal?
Fruit pierogi with sour cream and sugar comes to mind, since I’m Polish and that’s one of my favorite summer treats to share with my family. And everyone deserves access to a fresh treat with their loved ones!
