Volunteer of the Month: Satish Awatramani
September 12, 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.
After discovering the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and learning more about Foodwise, Satish Awatramani began volunteering in May 2025. Since then, he’s been lending a hand at the Info Booth and Veggie Valet at Saturday farmers markets, and at Summer Bash earlier this year.
“Volunteering has also been a wonderful way to connect with new people. I’ve met so many kind and inspiring individuals. I’ve truly enjoyed the experience, and I believe giving back never goes out of style,” Satish says.
“Satish has been great to work with at both the info booth and veggie valet,” shares Andrea Akers, Foodwise’s Associate Director of Operations. “He’s a quick learner and jumped right in to assist the Foodwise team with customer-facing tasks as well as helping with cooking demos. It’s always a pleasure to work with Satish when he’s volunteering his time at Foodwise. It is greatly appreciated.”
Foodwise: Where does your food interest come from?
My love for food comes from my passion for traveling and exploring new cultures. Everywhere I go, I seek out local food as a way to experience the heart of a community. Food is such a beautiful expression of culture, history, and love. It brings people together and tells a story. For me, every meal is more than just nourishment; it’s a shared experience and a form of positive energy.
Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Foodwise?
When I’m not volunteering with Foodwise, I spend time helping out at a meditation center and practicing mindfulness. I also enjoy traveling and discovering new places, and I like to give back in other ways, too, such as volunteering for street cleanups. In my downtime, I enjoy playing games on my PS5, going to the gym, and watching YouTube.
Foodwise: Why did you choose to volunteer with us at this time?
For me, there’s no better way to learn about the incredible local produce in my city than directly from the farmers themselves. Volunteering with Foodwise has given me the chance to deepen that knowledge while also connecting with new people and building friendships. Most of all, it’s a meaningful way to give back and support the community that makes the farmers market so special.
Foodwise: What has been most rewarding about your experience with Foodwise?
The most rewarding part of my experience with Foodwise has been the people—the welcoming staff, interns, and fellow volunteers whose passion for supporting the farmers market is truly inspiring. I’ve loved learning from them about how we all contribute to making the market a vibrant space for visitors and the community. Meeting so many wonderful people and discovering the stories behind the local produce has made volunteering here incredibly meaningful.
Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you?
To me, Foodwise is more than just an organization, it’s a community that brings people together around food, learning, and connection. It’s a place where local farmers, volunteers, and visitors all come together to celebrate and support one another. Being part of Foodwise has shown me how food can inspire joy, foster relationships, and create positive energy that extends beyond the farmers market.
Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
One of my favorite farmers market finds is the Liwa fresh goat cheese from Tomales Farmstead Creamery. Its creamy texture and fresh flavor make any dish feel special.
Topics: Volunteers and Interns