You have been part of Food Recovery Network’s mission because you believe everyone deserves access to nourishing food, because you care about our environment, and because you know, for nearly 15 years, FRN has been strategically finding ways to feed more people while ending food waste. We need your help, now more than ever, to meet our mission.

Through learning with neighbors over the past two years, we realized that while hunger exists in every zip code, it does not exist equally in every zip code. Our initial target counties treated the opportunity for recovering and redistributing food as equal, when in fact, there were greater disparities and opportunities in some locations more so than others. Additionally, the reductions in funding to SNAP and local food purchasing programs have disproportionately impacted some communities more than others.

Upon graduating with a degree in Graphic Design, my career eventually led me to my current role as a Creative Strategist at Boston Globe Media (BGM). What began as a freelance graphic design stint seven years ago has evolved into a role that is part designer, part storyteller. I’m responsible for helping prospective advertising clients understand how best to partner with the many brands under the BGM umbrella. My day-to-day involves creating sales materials and crafting narratives that align with client proposals, proactive sales efforts, and editorial initiatives.

By: Erica Szymanski

I spent three years in various leadership roles with Food Assist, the Food Recovery Network (FRN) chapter at the University of Virginia (UVA). Our primary focus was redirecting surplus food donations from donors to shelters and food pantries. These food recoveries relied upon students who had cars to drive the food, which excluded many students without a vehicle. To diversify chapter membership, we expanded the types of activities that our chapter offered and became creative with food transport logistics.