Volunteer of the Month: Theresa Salcedo
October 31, 2013
CUESA’s Volunteer of the Month program recognizes the dedication and work of some of our most active volunteers. CUESA relies on volunteers to help with education programs, special events, public outreach, and other activities that help fulfill our mission to cultivate a sustainable food system. Learn more about volunteering and sign up here.
Attracted to CUESA’s variety of educational opportunities, Theresa Salcedo is a new but very active CUESA intern and volunteer, who co-manages the Foodwise Kids program. She has also helped at our Info Booth, kitchen demos, cooking classes, special events, and the Discovery Station. After attending one of our talks, she thought CUESA would be a great place to learn and explore the local and sustainable food scene in San Francisco.
“Theresa has come to the Discovery Station every few weeks, ready to engage with people about topics ranging from pollinators to crop diversity,” says CUESA Discovery Station Coordinator Jessi Barber. “Her boundless energy and willingness to help in a pinch, combined with her easy manner and commitment to food, make her a joy to work with.” Meet Theresa.
CUESA: Where does your interest in food come from?
Theresa: My family. I grew up being my mom’s sous-chef and my dad’s fishing partner. I learned a lot through her kitchen, and both my parents’ garden—anatomy, chemistry, botany. A lot of my elders are accomplished gardeners, and I was always proud that my grandfather grew coffee in a small town called the “coffee capital of the Philippines” (I was drinking his coffee before starting grade school!).
CUESA: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for CUESA?
Theresa: I volunteer frequently with 18 Reasons, as an instructor with Cooking Matters and as a volunteer at their 18th Street events. I just joined the team at Local Mission Market, a new grocery store in the Mission neighborhood featuring locally grown food and house=made products. In my spare time, I cook at home, crawl after my one-year-old niece, and explore new cafés, bakeries, and parks in the city with friends.
CUESA: What is your favorite part about volunteering with CUESA?
Theresa: Too many things! I appreciate the intimacy and ability to connect with staff and other volunteers, the variety of opportunities available, and feeling a sense of ownership for one of the best farmers markets.
CUESA: Do you have an insider market tip or a favorite produce item at the market right now?
Theresa: This changes on a monthly basis, but right now I’m focused on St. Benoit’s yogurt and Della Fattoria’s bread menu. And I love drooling over the continually inventive menus at Sow juice and Cremeux ex Machina.
Topics: Volunteers and Interns