Intern Spotlight: Anna Haubrich and Sam Kaplan
October 2, 2024
Foodwise relies on volunteers and interns to help with education programs, and other activities that help fulfill our mission to grow thriving communities through the power and joy of local food. Learn more about internships here and volunteer opportunities here.
This summer, Anna Haubrich and Sam Kaplan joined Foodwise to support our fundraising efforts as Events Interns, lending a hand with our big summer fundraising event, Foodwise Summer Bash.
“We loved having Anna and Sam as part of our events team this summer! They brought energy, new ideas, and a lot of fun to the office and were a huge part making our Summer Bash fundraiser a success,” says Rebecca Crawbuck, Partnerships & Events Manager.
“Anna coordinated the auction at Summer Bash, which meant managing dozens of donations, leading a team of volunteers the day of the event, and communicating with our generous donors and lucky winners. I really enjoyed the joy and excitement Anna brought to the office every day. Anna was committed to making the auction a success, and we ultimately exceeded our fundraising goal!”
Rebecca continues, “Sam managed guest registration for Summer Bash. She immediately took the initiative to find data solutions and system improvements not just for this event, but for our fundraising team globally. She impeccably managed data entry for all guests, in-kind donations, and event partners. Sam made a long-lasting impact by setting up streamlined processes for our fall gala too!” Meet Anna and Sam.
Foodwise: Where does your food interest come from?
Anna: I am always down to try and learn something new. Most of the food I ate growing up was what my mom cooked for me, usually healthy or Mexican food. When I moved to Berkeley for college, I had to learn how to find the right food for me. This summer, while I was interning for Foodwise, I felt inspired to teach myself how to cook. Now, instead of buying cheap meals from large corporations, I make my own food! I love it and I cannot wait to learn more!
Sam: My interest in food definitely comes from cooking holiday meals with my family. I’ve always seen food as an amazing way to foster connection and build community. I love trying new recipes, learning about historical foodways, and most of all sharing the joy of delicious dishes with old and new friends!
Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t interning for Foodwise?
Anna: When I am not working with Foodwise, I love to dance, do arts and crafts, go on walks, and spend time with my friends. Making something new from something I would’ve thrown away is the most fulfilling thing in the world! I also love to watch any tv show in the universe. If you named a random TV show, I probably have seen it. I also love to play dress up and listen to music.
Sam: I am currently a sophomore at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City studying Urban Studies. In my free time, I love exploring New York on long walks, crocheting, and spending lots of time cooking and hanging out with friends.
Foodwise: Why did you choose to intern with us at this time?
Anna: When I saw Foodwise’s mission on their website, I absolutely fell in love. In my future career, I want to be an Intellectual Property Lawyer that works with small businesses. So, when Foodwise stated that they supported local farms I was hooked! I chose Foodwise because I wanted to experience what a community felt like. It was so amazing to experience a city where everything felt super interconnected. I would go all over San Francisco and recognize businesses that have worked with Foodwise. I really wanted to learn about how food systems worked and Foodwise really educated me on that. It was also so nice to see all of the programs Foodwise offers to create food accessibility!
Sam: Growing up in San Francisco, I had been shopping at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market for years and really connected with Foodwise’s mission. I chose to intern with Foodwise because I was excited about learning more about development for nonprofits. I’d recognized through both my academic classes and personal experiences how important it is to make sure organizations like Foodwise have the resources to do good in the world, and I wanted to be a part of making that happen!
Foodwise: What has been most rewarding about your experience with Foodwise?
Anna: The most rewarding part about working with Foodwise is definitely when the Summer Bash 2024 auction closed. We surpassed our goal and raised a lot of money for Foodwise! Creating the auction packages was so fun and I really enjoyed seeing peoples smiles when they realized they won a trip or a box of chocolates or a miso making class! The Auction was so rewarding and I will never forget it.
Sam: The most rewarding part about my experience with Foodwise was being a part of the incredible community of hard-working people who made Summer Bash possible. From the Foodwise team, to the chefs, to the amazing volunteers, it was so inspiring to see the dedication to Foodwise’s mission and our shared goal of making the event such a success! I truly learned so much from everyone.
Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you?
Anna: Foodwise to me was one of the best experiences of my life. Everyone in the office was so welcoming, understanding, and helped me through some hard times. I looked forward every day coming into the office and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Foodwise. I have learned so much compassion, composure, and care for others and the community around me. I can’t wait to see everyone at the market soon!
Sam: To me, Foodwise is about connection and learning through food. It is amazing to see how people of all ages from all over the broader Bay Area learn from each other and build community through Foodwise markets and programs!
Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
Anna: Aedan Fermented Foods!!!! I love them and Mariko was super sweet! I bought my first pair of chopsticks there and had the best bento box of my life. Also, shoutout to ChickenBox for knowing my order because I got a chicken sandwich every time I worked at the office.
Sam: Strawberries of all kinds from Yerena Farms and Aedan Fermented Foods’ bentos!
Topics: Volunteers and Interns