Volunteer of the Month: Erin Davis
January 27, 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.
While many Foodwise volunteers can be found supporting our education programs at the farmers market, Erin Davis gives back to her community by getting her hands in the soil and sharing her passion for plants with SFUSD high school students. Motivated to get involved with a school garden near her, Erin started volunteering with our Foodwise Teens youth development program in September 2024.
“Erin has been an incredible volunteer with our Foodwise Teens at John O’Connell High School, playing a key role in transforming the garden space into a vision that seamlessly connects the curriculum to the land,” shares Youth Education Manager Marcelo Clark. “Her dedication and creativity have made the garden a vibrant and educational space for our youth to learn and grow.” Meet Erin.
Foodwise: Where does your food interest come from?
Erin: The garden! The variety of plants we can grow in our area feels almost limitless, and the abundance they provide is truly amazing. Nothing tastes better than freshly picked vegetables, and for me, they’re even more special when you’ve nurtured them from a tiny seed. I’m especially excited to share this experience with the teens, helping them appreciate where their food comes from and enjoy it in a way that connects them to the people and places involved—including themselves and their schoolyard!
Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Foodwise?
Erin: I have a background in biology that I now apply to working in product, marketing, and communications for life sciences and biotech companies. Outside of work, you’ll find me in the garden—always!
Foodwise: Why did you choose to volunteer with us at this time?
Erin: I’ve always wanted to volunteer in the garden at this neighborhood school, but it wasn’t until last year that I came across the information I needed to get involved. With some extra time on my hands, it felt like the perfect moment to jump in and contribute to something I’ve cared about for so long.
Foodwise: What has been most rewarding about your experience with Foodwise?
Erin: The enthusiasm of the teens. I didn’t know what to expect at first. Would they really want to dig around in the dirt and pull weeds? But they have all really jumped in and are eager to take on every project we do together. I’m looking forward to the start of the spring semester program so returning students can see the fruits of their labor—the plants are bursting with life after a few months of winter rain!
Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you?
Erin: Foodwise to me is about how lucky we are to live here in the Bay Area. The community and the land together bring us so much, including all this healthy, delicious food!
Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
Erin: Hard choice! In the fall, I love the peppers (I only eat the sweet ones) and in summer, all that beautiful stone fruit is impossible to resist!
Topics: Foodwise Teens, Volunteers and Interns