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Volunteer Spotlight: Stella Harper

We have said it once and we will say it again, volunteers help make our work possible! Every year volunteers give time, attention, and support to SFC Programs. From work in our office, gardens, farmers’ markets, and in the kitchen, volunteers help lighten the load.

A current rock star volunteer is Stella Harper. Stella started her volunteer tenure with us at our SFC Farmers’ Market Information Booth and later focused her time in The Happy Kitchen assisting with public classes. Keep reading to learn a little bit more about Stella and why she loves volunteering at SFC!

How did you first hear about SFC?

I first learned about SFC from shopping at the [SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown] after my Saturday morning runs at Lady Bird Lake.

What made you want to get involved?

I was inspired to get involved with the local food system after reading Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma. I believe that it’s a fundamental human right to have access to healthy, affordable food regardless of income levels. SFC’s Grow, Share, and Prepare programs really spoke to me.

How have you spent your time as a volunteer?

As a volunteer, I first started helping out at the farmers’ market info booth answering questions and assisting in the double dollar program. I then graduated to Taste the Place and learned how to cut up and display the different varieties of radishes. I loved working at the farmers market, but my true home is SFC’s The Happy Kitchen. I’ve been a regular volunteer with THK for the past 3.5 years.

Favorite volunteer moment?

My most memorable moment was eating all of the leftover chocolate from the Gelato class taught by Dolce Neve.

Any advice for others thinking about getting involved?

My advice would be to check out the many different volunteer opportunities SFC has to offer. Once you find a role that best fits you, stick with it and you will learn so much about that program be it gardening, cooking, and/or our local farming community. You’ll make great friends and become a part of SFC family!

Stella’s support is greatly appreciated and we truly thankful to her and our entire volunteer team. For more information about volunteering at SFC visit our website. https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer