Volunteer of the Month: Christine Law
February 23, 2023
Foodwise’s Volunteer of the Month program recognizes the dedication and work of some of our most active volunteers. Foodwise relies on volunteers 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 volunteer opportunities here and internships here. You can also sign up for our next volunteer orientation on June 3, 2023, here.
As a former pastry chef, Foodwise volunteer Christine Law spent many years shopping the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market for the restaurants where she baked seasonal desserts. After a career change and missing the connection with amazing farmers and produce, she decided to start giving back as a volunteer in October 2022. Since then, she has lent a hand at our first in-person Sunday Supper since the pandemic and has volunteered regularly at the Saturday Ferry Plaza Farmers Market at the Info Booth and Veggie Valet. She reflects, “As a chef, I loved doing fundraising events for important food-centric causes, so volunteering at Sunday Supper last October seemed like a great kick-off to re-introduce myself to all that Foodwise does in our community. The food access Foodwise provides to chefs and shoppers is one of the great reasons to live and eat in San Francisco!”
“Christine has been amazing to have in the market,” says Deven Okry, Assistant Market Manager. “She’s very welcoming to all of our customers and market sellers at the Info Booth and Veggie Valet. She quickly picked up a lot of the tasks and has become an honorary market ops team member. She provides great support and can independently operate the booth, especially when we’re short on coverage. She’s also a joy to chat with whether it’s about travel or sharing personal stories.” Meet Christine.
Foodwise: Where does your interest in food come from?
Christine: I come from a long line of cooks and bakers but none of them professional. I worked in both savory and pastry in multiple venues before deciding to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY to focus on pastry.
Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Foodwise?
Christine: Unfortunately I developed some food allergies that led me away from pastry, so now I am a residential interior designer. During the pandemic and given the nature of the work, I can work from home, which is nice, but I miss the energy and pace of restaurants. I get a taste of that as a volunteer at Foodwise though!
Foodwise: Why are you choosing to volunteer with us at this time?
Christine: Foodwise hosts the premier market in the Bay Area. With the Market Match program, I see shoppers with limited earnings getting access to the same produce used by world class restaurants. That kind of equity is something I’m proud to support.
Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you?
Christine: Foodwise is the liaison between farmers and the community, facilitating the spread of healthful food, education, farmer support and sustainable, planet-focused practices that benefit us all.
Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
Christine: To make great desserts, start with ripe, in-season produce, and prepare it in such a way that accentuates, rather than overpowers, the work that Mother Nature has already done.
Topics: Volunteers and Interns