Welcome, Mikayla!
Team Lovin’ recently added a Marketing & Communications Manager. Get to know Mikayla Lydon in this Q&A.
How did you arrive at Lovin’ Spoonfuls?
I’ve always been drawn to serving people and building community (former college Resident Assistant and hospitality veteran here)! Particularly when it connects to music and food. Out of college, I worked at CK Communications Group, where I conducted PR and marketing campaigns for local clients in Boston’s music and arts scene. Then, my passion for food led me to Moody’s Delicatessen & Provisions, where I was the Marketing Manager for Moody’s, Pollo Club, and New England Charcuterie. When it came time to look for my next step, I knew I wanted to serve people in a deeper way. Feeling strongly about both food insecurity and environmental issues, I jumped at the opportunity to join the Lovin’ Spoonfuls team.
Tell us about your background! How did you become interested in food rescue?
My interest in food rescue began my senior year at Ithaca College. My major, Communication Management and Design, incorporated systems thinking classes that concluded through a semester-long research project. Partnering with three of my peers, we spent four months learning everything we could about food as it relates to people. This culminated in a “Food System Design Inquiry,” which explored everything from advertising in food deserts to the health effects of being food insecure. I love food rescue as a solution to some of these issues because it simultaneously helps people and the environment.
What passions do you bring to the job?
A passion for smart systems that uplift people, community, and the planet.
Do your friends and family consider you a good cook? Any signature recipes?
The ones who have had it seem to like it! I’m always trying something new, so no signature recipes yet. Someday I do hope to develop my own “perfect to me” roasted chicken and pasta sauce.
What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
A bunch of fruits and veggies. Tofu. Marinating Teriyaki chicken. Leftovers from last night’s dinner (aka today’s lunch). Almond milk and beer!
What’s your favorite childhood food memory?
My family’s annual Fourth of July parties have to be the highlight. My favorites were always guaranteed to be there, including my mom’s teriyaki chicken wings and my aunt’s trifle (angel food cake, berries, pistachio pudding).
Who are your heroes?
I’m not sure I could name specific people. Still, I will say the Ithaca community, where I went to college, is probably one I’m the most thankful for. This is a group of many incredible people, and being surrounded by them drastically changed my way of thinking. They showed me what is possible when you put people, community, and environment first.