Welcome, Chris!
Team Lovin’ recently added Operations Managers to our team. Get to know one of them, Chris Ramos-Hernandez, in this Q&A.
How did you arrive at Lovin’ Spoonfuls?
I first learned about Lovin’ Spoonfuls while working in a smaller Whole Foods Market store. While there, I witnessed Food Rescue Coordinators come to the store and rescue food. I Googled the name, came upon the Lovin’ Spoonfuls website, and absolutely loved their mission. Then my sister started working there, and this sealed the deal; she had good things to say. After being in grocery retail for 11 years and knowing I wanted to change to a career path that was more fulfilling to me, my sister reached out and recommended I apply for the Operations Manager position, and I did.
Tell us about your background! How did you become interested in food rescue?
Growing up, my mother, along with my many aunts and uncles, had a tough time accessing food. She would resort to sneaking into a neighbor’s farm and stealing corn to help make homemade tortillas that they would eat with just salt. She would tell my sister and me many of these stories, and I’ve always thought how different their lives would’ve been if there was a food rescue organization in Guatemala. My parents always made sure my sister and I didn’t waste any food and that whatever food we did leave, they made sure to save it for the next meal. Hearing those stories while I was growing up made me want to make a difference in other’s lives. Being at Lovin’ Spoonfuls, I’m able to be part of an organization that helps create a big difference in many lives.
What passions do you bring to the job?
I’m very passionate about helping any person or group out in any way I can. Being part of Lovin’ Spoonfuls, I’m able to help the team deliver good food to areas and people who need it. I’m also able to help teach my kids the value of food.
Do your friends/family consider you a good cook? Any signature recipes?
My fiancé does most of the cooking but has shown me the ropes and is teaching me different recipes. But when it comes to steak and seafood, I’m usually the guy my family calls on to cook or for cooking instructions.
What would we find in your fridge now?
You’ll find some leftover fried chicken drumsticks along with white rice, red kidney beans, apples, eggs, bacon, and a lot of kids’ yogurt.
What’s your favorite childhood food memory?
My favorite childhood food memory is Christmas Eve morning. Every year, my mother would get up very early to make tamales from scratch. I remember waking up in the morning and smelling the different ingredients being used. My mouth would water up for the great meal to come later in the day.
Who are your heroes?
My heroes are the essential workers that have worked since the start of the pandemic, from nurses, doctors, first responders to grocery store workers. At a higher risk of catching the virus [by being exposed to so many people], they’ve all worked and continue to work a crazy amount of hours to ensure everyone is well taken care of.