Welcome, Greg!
Team Lovin’ recently added a new Grants & Foundation Specialist to our team. Get to know Greg Friedman in this Q&A.
How did you arrive at Lovin’ Spoonfuls?
I have spent the last 15 years working in a variety of nonprofit development jobs in Boston, focusing in recent years on grants management. While I’ve been fortunate to work with organizations doing amazing work in fields such as immigrant and refugee services, housing security, and youth development, I began my career in the environmental field and always knew I would return to those roots someday. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support Lovin’ Spoonfuls’ mission and fundraising effort by serving as Grants and Foundation Specialist.
Tell us about your background! How did you become interested in food rescue?
I have a dual degree in Journalism and Environmental Studies from Western Washington University and have a longtime interest in sustainability issues. During the years I lived in Bellingham, Washington, I worked and volunteered with several environmental groups focused on regional issues. When I moved back to Boston, my career took me into nonprofit development within the human services field. Food rescue is compelling to me because it touches many things I care about – sustainability, conservation, and community service.
What passions do you bring to the job?
I am passionate about doing my part to leave the world a slightly better place for my having been here.
Do your friends/family consider you a good cook? Any signature recipes?
Although my repertoire is not large, I’m considered pretty good with the recipes I regularly cook. My top three are:
- Udon noodle and spicy peanut stir-fry
- Saag paneer
- Pizza
What would we find in your fridge now?
Rice, beans, tortillas, snow peas, broccoli, and a mostly depleted tub of Kozy Shack chocolate pudding.
What’s your favorite childhood food memory?
Every once in a while my mom would bake a grasshopper pie (crust made of crushed Oreos, filling made of crème de menthe and crème de cacao). The ultimate comfort food…
Who are your heroes?
I admire people whose conviction and moral code compel them to persevere when the easier and safer path would be to give up. Most of us will never make the personal sacrifices nor experience the danger of those who participated in sit-ins at segregated lunch counters during the 1960s or who publicly challenge authoritarian governments when doing so could mean death.
Learn more about Greg and the rest of Team Lovin’ on our staff page.