Volunteer of the Month: Crystal Cao
February 25, 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.
Crystal Cao started volunteering with Foodwise in January 2024, and is now a regular welcoming Ferry Plaza Farmers Market shoppers and helping them store their bags at the Foodwise Veggie Valet on Saturdays. “I’ve wanted to support Foodwise as a volunteer since its CUESA days, and I’m glad I made time for the orientation to get started,” she says. Since then, she’s also shown up to support our cooking demos and Foodwise Sunday Supper fundraising gala.
“Crystal is very helpful at both the Info Booth and Veggie Valet,” says Operations Coordinator Deven Okry. “She shops at the market regularly and has built relationships with staff, chefs, and customers. She knows a lot of our regular shoppers and gives helpful info about the market. She goes above and beyond helping break down Veggie Valet and offering her time even when she’s not scheduled. She also helps with our special events on occasion, the recent one being Love Bites.” Meet Crystal.
Foodwise: Where does your food interest come from?
Crystal: Crudely put, I love to eat! But I also appreciate the art, science, care, and things out of human control that goes into putting what I love to eat on the table.
Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Foodwise?
Crystal: Volunteering at SF SPCA walking the dogs, SF-Marin Food Bank packing boxes, or walking into random corners of the Earth.
Foodwise: Why did you choose to volunteer with us at this time?
Crystal: Rain or shine, it’s always a good time to volunteer! I’d be at the farmers market as a shopper every Saturday anyways, so why not make the most of it. The Saturday market is a great representation of SF—the Ferry Building, the hospitality industry, residents, tourists, good weather, local food—I feel lucky whenever I’m at the Veggie Valet.
Foodwise: What has been most rewarding about your experience with Foodwise?
Crystal: I get to see how hard the Foodwise team works to make the farmers market accessible and successful for as many people as possible. Ask them how early their alarms are set on Saturdays! They are the first ones on site, the last ones to leave, and they have so many people to keep happy during market hours and every other hour of the week.
Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you?
Crystal: Foodwise not only aims to increase food sovereignty and accessibility, but they also support our farmers and makers by providing them opportunities to share their bounty and educate the community on how hard they work. Food is so plentiful in the US, yet so many of our neighbors go hungry. I’ve been one of those neighbors, so what Foodwise does for our farmers and suppliers and San Franciscans of all income levels is personal and meaningful to me.
Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
Crystal: Shout out to Hidden Star Orchards’ Apple Cherry Cider! It’s great by itself or as a mixer for cocktails and mocktails. And I’d move into GG Farms if I could—all their bitter greens and melons makes the old Vietnamese lady inside me happy. Tip: If your fruit gets overripe—don’t compost it just yet! Freeze it for smoothies, or toss it into a pot over low heat with some water, lemon juice, and sugar to make a jam.
Topics: Volunteers and Interns