Intern Spotlight: Maggie Chang and Elijah Siegel
June 26, 2025
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 September 6, 2025.
This spring, Culinary Program Interns Elijah Siegel and Maggie Chang joined the Foodwise team to support and help launch our new Seasonal Spotlight program, which empowers farmers market shoppers to prepare easy, healthy, and budget-friendly meals using peak-season California produce. They work with our Culinary Program Manager Naomi Webb to cook and sample simple recipes and engage with shoppers at our Ferry Plaza and Mission markets.
For Maggie, an internship with Foodwise brought her one step closer to completing a Food Systems minor at UC Berkeley, and for Elijah, his second internship with Foodwise expanded his culinary experience after completing a Foodwise Kids internship in 2024.
“Maggie and Elijah were always a step ahead,” says Naomi. “They had an uncanny ability to anticipate needs, take action, and keep things moving, especially as we worked to launch a brand new program. They were both a pleasure to work with and added a lot of fun and positive energy to our workday.”
Read on to meet Maggie, and read Elijah’s previous Intern Spotlight interview here. And be sure to visit the orange Seasonal Spotlight tent at Foodwise farmers markets!
Foodwise: Where does your interest in food come from?
Maggie: My interest in food stems from childhood memories of making pumpkin pie and sugar cookies during holidays while watching countless Food Network shows. Since I was young, I’ve always enjoyed baking and cooking (once I got over my fear of flames). I really enjoy being able to see a dish come together with just a few ingredients and a good recipe.
Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t interning for Foodwise?
Maggie: When not interning at Foodwise, I am obsessing over my dogs, crafting, procrastinating on my schoolwork, and hanging out with my friends (typically with some boba).
Foodwise: Why did you choose to intern with Foodwise?
Maggie: I started working with Foodwise as a requirement for the Food Systems Minor program at UC Berkeley. It also provided a great opportunity to get more involved in the community while also getting to explore the farmers market!
Foodwise: What has been most rewarding about your experience with Foodwise?
Maggie: The most rewarding part of my experience with Foodwise has been building relationships with the regular visitors and volunteers at the farmers market. Each week, the regulars at the Seasonal Spotlight booth would stop by to chat about their day and share what they thought of the featured recipes. Seeing the camaraderie among such a diverse group of people made the market feel like more than just a place to shop for ingredients, but a community where people genuinely connect over food.
Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you?
Maggie: To me, Foodwise is a place that brings everyone together—farmers, chefs, home cooks, and anyone who simply loves food. It fosters community by building meaningful connections between the farmers who grow the food and the people who enjoy it. Through the farmers markets and its educational programs, Foodwise empowers the public to make healthy and sustainable choices while also supporting the local community.
Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
Maggie: A quick go-to meal prep recently has been a sheet pan roast. Toss any vegetables and protein you have on hand, drizzle with olive oil and spices, and roast in the oven.
Topics: Volunteers and Interns