Intern Spotlight: Erica Tate

June 13, 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. You can also sign up for our next volunteer orientation on June 8, 2024, here.

Erica joined Foodwise in August 2023 through the College Corps program at SFSU, and she supported our Foodwise Teens programming through the end of the 2023-2024 school year. “Erica is so bright and has been a tremendous asset to Foodwise,” says Foodwise Teens Education Coordinator Naomi Webb. “She picks things up so easily, and always jumps in wherever there is a need. She is a natural teacher and leader to the students as well as an absolute joy to work alongside with. It will be hard to fill her shoes next semester!” Meet Erica.

Foodwise: Where does your food interest come from? 

Erica: My interest in food began when I was a little girl, cooking and eating my grandma’s homemade creations.

Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Foodwise?

Erica: I am a full-time student at SFSU. I hope to graduate at the end of August of 2024.

Foodwise: Why did you choose to volunteer with us at this time? 

Erica: Being a fellow through the College Corps program gave me the opportunity to intern with Foodwise Teens for the academic year. I wanted to pick a host site that had something to do with food and serving a community, and Foodwise Teens touches both of those aspects.

Foodwise: What has been most rewarding about your experience with Foodwise?

Erica: Foodwise has expanded my knowledge and palate, and I am so glad I got the opportunity to work with the Foodwise team! I love the sense of community I feel when creating new dishes with the teens. 

Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you? 

Erica: Foodwise to me is building a sense of community through food. 

Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share? 

Erica: I recently got a juicer, so I’ve been making a lot of juices from the produce at the farmers market, which I love. My favorite juice that I made so far is a beet, orange, apple, strawberry, and pineapple mixture.

Topics: Volunteers and Interns