Volunteer of the Month: Amanda Clark
March 28, 2019
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. Join us at our next volunteer orientation on April 6, 2019 at the Ferry Building. Learn more and sign up here.
It takes many hands to produce our Market to Table cooking demos at the CUESA Classroom. Amanda Clark has been a steady support at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and Jack London Square Farmers Market since 2015. She started volunteering for CUESA after her return to the Bay Area from Minneapolis, “another city with a vibrant and progressive approach to food.”
“Amanda is whip-smart and proactive, and would have been very successful in the restaurant business,” says Culinary Programs Manager Carrie Sullivan. “Since she is not in the restaurant business, she likes to be around chefs and food enthusiasts. This is a huge benefit to CUESA, as that intelligence, initiative, and enthusiasm are great for the Market to Table program. I feel very lucky to have her help whenever she’s available.” Meet Amanda.
CUESA: Where does your interest in food come from?
Amanda: Family, friends, politics, travel. Food is the great unifier. It has the unique ability to bring people together in a meaningful way, with or without an agenda—we all have to eat. Food equals community, and I think that’s a beautiful thing that transcends a lot of what can divide us.
CUESA: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for CUESA?
Amanda: Eat, mostly.
CUESA: What is your favorite part about volunteering with CUESA?
Amanda: Talking with farmers, chefs, food writers, and the other volunteers about what they like to cook and eat, and why they love food. And I particularly love volunteering in the CUESA Classroom because it always offers new opportunities to prepare different, seasonal products from the market. It’s a great way to learn.
CUESA: Do you have an insider market tip or a favorite produce item at the market right now?
Amanda: It’s hard to pick just one item. The citrus in the market right now is really delicious!
Topics: Volunteers and Interns