Volunteer of the Month: Colleen Northcutt
April 24, 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, and join us at our next volunteer orientation on May 10.
Since 2019, Colleen Northcutt has been a dedicated volunteer with Foodwise, supporting our Saturday cooking demos and community engagement activities with a friendly, steady presence. From our Summer Bash and Sunday Supper fundraising events to our new Seasonal Spotlight program, she’s done it all.
“Colleen is one of those delightful volunteers who shows up with a warm, positive attitude, and makes our jobs so much easier,” shares Jess Frye, Foodwise’s Director of Development. “When I spoke to her at a recent event, I was blown away when she shared that although she has moved away from the area, she still keeps in touch and regularly volunteers when visiting! This speaks volumes about her enduring commitment to Foodwise.” Meet Colleen.
Foodwise: Where does your food interest come from?
Colleen: Who doesn’t love food? I didn’t have any culinary background, but I got into cooking as a way to get more real and whole ingredients into my diet. I love trying to recreate restaurant meals at home, especially if I can improve on them with fresh market ingredients. Spending time on a beautiful meal or dessert is my way to decompress after work, even if it doesn’t come out as amazing as I imagined.
Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Foodwise?
Colleen: I love getting out in nature or on the water, slow travel, taking long, urban hikes, and basically exploring anywhere new.
Foodwise: Why did you choose to volunteer with us at this time?
Colleen: I was a remote worker pre-pandemic, and when I moved to the city, I was just looking for a way to get out of my home office and into the community. I was excited to discover Foodwise as a way to educate myself and others about local farmers and how to support sustainable food systems. I don’t live in San Francisco full time anymore, but Foodwise keeps me connected to the city and broader community of farmers and chefs, so I still feel like it is home.
Foodwise: What has been most rewarding about your experience with Foodwise?
Colleen: Besides giving back, I always feel like I receive more in return—new connections, cooking tips, delicious samples. It is always just a good time.
Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you?
Colleen: The farmers market is the best place to support local producers and ensure that they can keep doing what they do. Without them, we would be stuck with mass-produced ingredients or long-distance supply chains. At this political moment, small businesses of all kinds need our support and Foodwise helps make that easy for everyone in the city, at all income levels.
Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
Colleen: I basically treat the market produce like “Iron Chef” and try to make something that showcases the ingredients we are so lucky to have in California. I also hate food waste, so I try to find uses for those peels, cores, stems, and rinds. My best tip is to throw veggie scraps into the freezer and boil them into a stock when you have enough.
