Volunteer of the Month: Claire Lefebre
February 26, 2026
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.
Claire Lefebre has supported the Info Booth and Veggie Valet at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market since October 2024. She started volunteering as a way to show her support for local farmers, and has since become a friendly face to staff members, farmers, and shoppers in the farmers market, in addition to supporting admin projects behind the scenes. She even recruited her brother Gabe to volunteer, too!
“I’m looking forward to many more seasons of discovering new gems at the market and continuing to support a more inclusive food system here in the Bay,” Claire says.
“Claire has been a consistent volunteer at our info booth and Veggie Valet at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market,” says Associate Director of Operations Andrea Akers. “She’s extremely helpful and friendly with staff and sellers. We really appreciate her volunteering her time at Foodwise and being an overall down-to-earth person who is interested in our mission.” Meet Claire.
Where does your interest in food come from?
I’ve learned a lot from living with autoimmune diseases, including the ways that good food can make my health and my life better. Bridging diet and health in my own life has led me to pursue a career in food. I studied Food Science in university and now work in food product development. I hope to use what I’ve learned to help others live well, too.
What do you do when you’re not volunteering for Foodwise?
When I’m not helping out at the market, I’m volunteering with two organizations that are bringing healthy food access to the other side of the Bay: Slow Food East Bay and Farms to Grow. Other than that, I’m always on the hunt for new spots (restaurants, hiking trails, cafes). I’ve been in the Bay for over 10 years now and am still finding new gems!
Why are you choosing to volunteer with us at this time?
Volunteering at the market on Saturday mornings is the best way to get my weekend started. The positive energy and strong sense of community that the Foodwise team fosters keep me coming back again and again.
What has been most rewarding about your experience with Foodwise?
I find it really rewarding to support the amazing Foodwise team that keeps the show running behind the scenes! It’s been especially fun to help the team with problem-solving, from finicky Square readers to questions from vendors and shoppers. There’s always a fun puzzle to solve during a busy market day.
What does Foodwise mean to you?
To me, Foodwise represents inclusivity. The complimentary Veggie Valet service is both convenient and accommodating for shoppers, and the EBT check-in process is straightforward and efficient. It’s encouraging to see systems like these in place, which make all of us feel welcome at the market!
Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
I’ve been making a lot of soup recently, and it has reminded me how delicious and convenient it is! I can fit a ton of nutrient-dense, local ingredients from the market into one meal, and use foods in my fridge that might’ve spoiled otherwise. I just made a roasted carrot and red lentil soup, spiced with a Ras el Hanout blend from Oaktown Spice Shop, and it was so good!
Topics: Volunteers and Interns