Volunteers of the Month: Leslie Madayag and Josiah Guerry

April 28, 2023

Foodwise’s Volunteer of the Month program recognizes the dedication and work of some of our most active volunteers. Foodwise relies on volunteers 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 volunteer opportunities here and internships here. You can also sign up for our next volunteer orientation on June 3, 2023, here.

It’s always a pleasure to have former interns come back to Foodwise, and even more so when they bring their family to join them. Leslie Mayadag, a 2018 culinary intern as part of City College of San Francisco’s Culinary Arts Management Program, returned in the fall 2022 with her son Josiah to share the joy of lending a hand at cooking demonstrations at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

“Leslie and Josiah are a wonderful mother-son duo that have been consistently volunteering with us at our cooking demos,” says Education Director Tiffany Chung. “I’m glad that they have been having fun spending their Saturdays with us, and I really appreciate their eagerness and quickness to learn new things in the kitchen.” Meet Leslie and Josiah.

Foodwise: Where does your interest in food come from?

Leslie: My interest in food started as early as five years old, baking bibingka, a Filipino glutinous sweet rice cake, alongside my mother.

Josiah: I am a picky eater, and I am really trying to expand my palate by trying new things.

Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Foodwise? 

Leslie: I go on weekly hikes. I enjoy dancing, Zumba, and karaoke with my buddies. I also like Muay Thai training, going to dinner with my fam, and trying new restaurants. We especially love hot pot, Korean BBQ and Boba.

Josiah: It’s always fun going out for dinner with my family as well as getting to try new restaurants.

Foodwise: Why are you choosing to volunteer with us at this time?

Leslie: I became a lifer the moment I was involved.

Josiah: I learned that the whole point of Foodwise was for a good cause. I wanted to be a part of that good cause and at the same time expand my knowledge about food.

Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you? 

Leslie: A place for families, friends, and farmers to connect through education, local and seasonal food.

Josiah: Foodwise means a lot to me. I really like the idea of connecting the entire community together with fresh food and education.

Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?

Leslie: Don’t throw away those carrot tops! They’re lovely to make chimichurri!

Josiah: Eat with the season.

Topics: Volunteers and Interns