I don’t work in sustainability, public health, or the nonprofit sector. Here’s how I stay active in the food waste fight.
By: Kelsey Rogers
My college years were devoted to food recovery. Despite not declaring a major until my sophomore year, I found my purpose once I got involved with Food Recovery Network. It became the thing that defined my college experience circa 2014 B.C. (Before Covid).
For three years, I spent several nights a week packing up surplus food from two dining halls, making lasting memories with other chapter members and volunteers.
Some of my fondest memories were blasting music on our 45-minute round-trip drive to one of our two partner agencies and making sure that any recovered desserts went to the kiddos at the family shelter! On top of the profound personal impact my work with Food Recovery Network had on me, I was afforded some incredible opportunities that shaped my educational and professional career. Along with our faculty advisor and thanks to funding from both FRN and Roger Williams University (RWU), my chapter traveled to D.C. to attend FRN’s National Food Recovery Dialogue, where we got to meet chapters from all over the country and build relationships with the FRN National team.
RWU and its dining partners at Bon Appétit supported my efforts in full force. They invited me to apply for a fellowship that provided mentorship and leadership training, in addition to financial support. For that, and so much more, I am deeply grateful.
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. I play a role in enhancing the Globe’s media solutions and delivering innovative advertising strategies, often through branded content. This work gives me space to dream up new ways brands can meet their marketing goals by collaborating with a legacy news institution. More than once, I’ve pitched ideas for food waste sponsored articles, content hubs, and social campaigns. If the company has even a hint of a Corporate Social Responsibility plan, I’m suggesting they put some media budget behind it.
Another way I stay involved in the space is through freelance design work. For the last three plus years, I’ve been the contracted designer for Matriark Foods, a mission driven food company that upcycles farm surplus and fresh cut remnants into products for food service, retail, and emergency food. (Psst… give them a follow.) Working closely with their founder Anna Hammond has been a fantastic opportunity to learn more about food systems. I’ve gained insight into the various ways farmers get paid for their produce, how value can be generated at the farm level, and the nuances of partnering with organizations ranging from nonprofits to tech giants. My work with Matriark has a wide scope, but most often includes social graphics, case studies, and tradeshow materials. Not only do I get to keep my portfolio fresh, I get to build relationships within the industry and continuously learn about food waste, food recovery, and innovation in upcycling.
For a while, my job search was focused on my dream organizations like ReFED, Divert, Naak and even Project Drawdown. (Still open to opportunities, by the way.)
But the thing I think everyone should remember, especially FRN alums, is that it’s okay if your cause isn’t your career. You can make room for your passions in any job. That work is no less impactful, and often even more fulfilling.