Volunteer of the Month: Amelia Moore
November 22, 2017
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. Join us at our next volunteer orientation on January 10, 2018, at the Ferry Building.
An advocate for healthy local food and farm policy, Amelia Moore has been a superstar weekly addition to our fall Foodwise Kids team. Joining us first as a speaker on our Resist Together! Reframing the Food Movement panel in the spring, she now brings her passion and perspective as food activist to inspiring kids to love fresh fruits and vegetables. According to Amelia, “I know a big part of systems change is creating a culture of healthy eating, which starts locally and with our youth. Foodwise Kids is a catalyst for the cultural shift we need. “
“Amelia quickly stepped up as a volunteer with Foodwise Kids, taking on a leadership role by helping to train new volunteers and offering them tips and advice,” says Education Programs Coordinator Tessa Kappe. “She’s a great communicator with fellow volunteers, as well as with the children—lit up and engaging, and fully passionate about guiding them through a delightful trip in the market. She’s been an amazing asset to our team, and I feel fortunate that she is pouring her passion into this experience for our city’s kids!” Meet Amelia.
CUESA: Where does your interest in food come from?
Amelia: At first it was an academic interest, which then grew into an emotional mission. During my master’s in Global Social Policy, I studied the 2007-08 world food crisis. I completed an internship at Food First, Institute for Food and Development Policy, in Berkeley. There, I met members of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers from Florida and was shocked by their experience; the brutal use of slave labor in the modern day U.S. food system. I joined a protest march with them at Trader Joe’s for their Campaign for Fair Food, and from that point on I knew I wanted to be part of the movement to change the food system to one that protects and nourishes workers, farmers, eaters, and the environment.
CUESA: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for CUESA?
Amelia: You can find me using my Foodwise Kids skills at home! There are lots of young kids in my neighborhood, some of whom are children of immigrant parents that speak little English. My husband and I host after-school homework clubs for the kids, and we wanted to get to know their parents—what better way than to host a meal? The kids were excited; most had never cooked anything before. They created the menu, we talked about healthy options, I taught them knife skills so they could safely prepare the meal, and they cooked the food. Bringing my skills from Foodwise Kids back to my community felt very uplifting, and helped us bridge connections with our neighbors, even if we don’t speak the same language! Food is extremely powerful and nourishing for the body, mind, and soul.
CUESA: What is your favorite part about volunteering with CUESA?
Amelia: I have to say, being part of a great organization. All of the staff and interns at CUESA are amazing at what they do and always so nice and appreciative of volunteers. It makes it easy to give up my time to the organization. Also, the moment at the end of the class when the kids excitingly express a greater love for healthy fruits and vegetables as a result of the experience I just led them through. It’s an immediate gratification, knowing that more and more young people will grow up with an appreciation for healthy, fresh, local food and for the farmers that produce it.
CUESA: Do you have an insider market tip or a favorite produce item at the market right now?
Amelia: The English peas from Iacopi Farms are my ultimate favorite. They are so big, sweet, and juicy. They’re also a favorite with many of the Foodwise Kids who try them for the first time ever and smile brightly when they realize something healthy can taste so sweet and delicious. They add a great flavor and color to any kind of dish—from salads to soups. I love them!
Join us at our next volunteer orientation on January 10, 2018, at the Ferry Building.
Topics: Foodwise Kids, Volunteers and Interns