How long have you been working for Second Harvest?
I started working at Community Action in June of 2021 as the Volunteer Coordinator for all the programs, including Second Harvest. This involved scheduling volunteer events, recruiting volunteers, and creating partnerships with local companies that wanted to support our cause through volunteerism. In November, I moved into the Development Officer role and now work at Second Harvest full time.
What were you doing before working for Second Harvest?
Before starting at Second Harvest and Community Action, I worked for Planned Parenthood Keystone as a Health Educator.
What does your job entail?
As the Development Officer, I work closely with Lauren to plan events, curate social media posts, procure donations, and write all newsletters for Second Harvest and The Seed Farm. More specifically, my job duties focus largely on marketing and raising funds for The Seed Farm, as well as building strong relationships with corporate sponsors.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about my job is that I can see the impact of our fundraising efforts play out at the food bank and in the community. Every donation we get helps us feed food-insecure people in our area. And our team works so diligently to make sure the money the development team brings in goes to good use in expanding our outreach and improving the quality of our services.
What is something you wish everyone knew about food insecurity?
I wish everyone knew that food insecurity is a multi-faceted issue and there are a lot of barriers that go into people not having adequate food. While food insecurity largely stems from financial limitations, it can also be a result of geography, among other factors. That’s why advocating for food justice is so crucial; ultimately, food access is a human right and we need to make sure we’re working to dismantle the barriers that prevent our community members from easily accessing healthy food choices.
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
I really like to keep busy when I’m not at work. I spend a lot of time outdoors, mainly by hiking and snowboarding. I also love painting and any creative activities.
What is your life motto?
“For what are we born if not to aid one another?” – Ernest Hemingway