Volunteer of the Month: Tiff Ting
April 29, 2021
CUESA’s Volunteer of the Month program recognizes the dedication and work of some of our most active volunteers. CUESA relies on volunteers to help with education programs, special events, public outreach, and other activities that help fulfill our mission to cultivate a sustainable food system. Most of our regular volunteer opportunities are currently on hold with the exception of farmers market roles. Learn more about volunteering here. You can sign up for our next volunteer orientation on May 19, 2021 here.
Tiff Ting has been actively supporting a cause—sustainable agriculture—that she believes in by generously volunteering for many organizations in San Francisco and beyond over the years. Since February 2021, she’s been a regular part of the CUESA Farmers Market Box packing team. She looks forward to volunteering in other capacities, too, like supporting special events like CUESA’s Summer Picnic.
“Tiff has been such an enthusiastic presence to our weekly CUESA Farmers Market Box volunteer team,” says Partnerships and Events Manager Rebecca Crawbuck. “Since she started volunteering with us, she’s consistently been at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturday mornings each week. She is energetic and upbeat, and her positivity radiates throughout the entire group. I’m so grateful to Tiff for the generous gift of her time. It has a big impact!” Meet Tiff.
CUESA: Where does your interest in food come from?
Tiff: As an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin, I accidentally co-founded a cooking club. While organizing restaurant visits, cooking demonstrations, and supper clubs, I cultivated an interest in all things food: researching different recipes, sourcing ingredients, preparing dishes using a variety of techniques and tools, and ultimately enjoying the results.
CUESA: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for CUESA? And how is the current crisis impacting you?
Tiff: My day job is serving as a product manager at Iris Healthcare, a start-up based in Austin, TX, that is on a mission to democratize advance care planning (ACP). The current crisis has had the most impact on my side hustle as the Chief Finance & Operations Officer of CTT Comedy since we have not been able to host live stand-up comedy shows since last March. We plan to offer shows again whenever it’s safe to do so.
CUESA: Why are you choosing to volunteer with us at this time?
Tiff: In July 2020, I earned a Master of Science in Smart Cities with a focus on sustainable food systems, and helping CUESA is a great way for me to stay connected with one of my passions.
CUESA: What does the farmers market community mean to you?
Tiff: I am much more connected to my food when I interact with the people who grow it. I also feel a stronger sense of gratitude for the effort they put in to make it a reality.
CUESA: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
Tiff: Fresh, seasonal produce is unbeatable in flavor and nutritional value. When I don’t have any bright ideas for what to do with a sweet potato, a head of cabbage, or a beet, roasting at 425ºF for 30 minutes after cutting it up into bite-sized pieces and tossing in olive oil never fails. Remember to season with freshly ground salt and black pepper before serving!
Topics: Volunteers and Interns