Volunteer of the Month: Sally Maccoun
November 7, 2024
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.
A Ferry Plaza Farmers Market supporter for 30 years, Sally Maccoun began volunteering with Foodwise in summer of 2024. In recent months, she quickly has quickly become one of our go-to volunteers for education programs, dependably supporting our Foodwise Kids program and Saturday cooking demos, as well as lending a hand at Foodwise fundraising events such as Summer Bash and Sunday Supper.
“Sally has been such a valuable volunteer for our educational programming,” shares Director of Education Tiffany Chung. “She has been a constant presence since the beginning of the semester, and we are so appreciative of her support.” Education Coordinator Naomi Webb adds, “Sally’s joy for the farmers market is contagious. Her volunteer work with Foodwise Kids field trips and cooking demos has become indispensable, and she is such a pleasure!” Meet Sally.
Foodwise: Where does your food interest come from?
Sally: The farmers market! Everything about farmers markets is inspiring. I’m mostly vegetarian, so it is like paradise for me. I love the seasonality of the market and if I need inspiration, I just go to the market—my happy place.
Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Foodwise?
Sally: When I’m not at the farmers market or volunteering at Foodwise, I’m probably cooking, taking a walk, or spending time traveling with my kids, most recently to Mexico City, England, Paris, and Amsterda, and of course I’m always looking for a farmers market.
Foodwise: Why did you choose to volunteer with us at this time?
Sally: I’ve been coming to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market since the first market in 1994 and decided it was time to give back after seeing volunteer orientations advertised. I signed up and attended the next one and I’m so happy I did.
Foodwise: What has been most rewarding about your experience with Foodwise?
Sally: Making a difference, having a purpose—working with Foodwise Kids is a great way to inspire kids to eat healthy food and get them exposed to and excited about all the wonderful vegetables and fruits available. Most kids have never tasted persimmons, kale, cauliflower, or purple potatoes, and once they do, they like them and that opens their minds. I also really like working alongside other Foodwise volunteers, interns, and employees. Everybody is passionate about what they do and fun to be around.
Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you?
Sally: Foodwise is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference and inspire kids to eat healthy, fresh vegetables and fruit from local farmers. It’s also an opportunity to get to know the farmers who grow the food. There’s a strong sense of community that you will never get at a grocery store. The Saturday chef demos are a wonderful way to learn new techniques directly from chefs. To me, Foodwise means education, connecting with farmers and community, and fun! It’s such a privilege to have the opportunity to volunteer at Foodwise—I have long been an advocate for farmers markets and this is a great community to be a part of.
Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
Sally: Go weekly and shop for the week and prep as much as you can. Make a vegetable soup or a big salad with any leftovers at the end of the week. Right now, Yerena Farms has the best cranberry beans and the most wonderful French strawberries. Find the “treasures” like these and savor them because they won’t be there long.
Topics: Volunteers and Interns