The Team

What’s your role/what do you do @ THC?
I am the Bloom Youth Project Coordinator! I work with our teen interns farming, selling produce, learning life skills, and having fun. In addition to that I support my colleagues and The Hunger Coalition in any way that calls. Each day is different!

Community is…
I believe community is a shared understanding and commitment to accept, support, and respect one another. It’s a place we turn to in need, generosity, and celebration.

Who is your Food or Social Justice Hero?
My Social Justice hero is Luis Arévalo, my Spanish professor from college. He opened my eyes to the power of poetry and literature as a vehicle for social change.

Favorite place to adventure i.e. favorite fishing hole, hike, lake, etc?
I like to read old tales of local miners and then go explore where they once roamed! Maybe I’m hoping to find treasure…maybe I’ve already found it…!

I am responsible for strategic direction of the organization, work with the Board to ensure we have adequate resources to accomplish our mission, and act as chief cheerleader to support our incredible team.

Who is your Food Justice Hero?

Michael Pollen has been an inspiration to me over the years. But really anyone who makes the effort to grow their own food, whether it be in a container pot on their porch or on an acre or two of land, has my complete respect.  They’ve made the commitment to improving their health while reducing their environmental footprint – a win for everyone!

What do you love most about our community?

I love that our community really comes together to support each other in solving societal problems like food insecurity. And that we are small enough to really make a difference.  Unlike big cities where problems like hunger and homelessness are so pervasive that supporting them sometimes feels like throwing money into a black hole, here one truly has the opportunity to make a tremendous impact. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have never once in the history of our organization had to turn anyone away. On the contrary, community support has allowed us to be adaptive and responsive to the needs of those most vulnerable. That’s inspiring to me and I think to others as well.  

As a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

I’ve always loved animals. My dream when I was little was to be a veterinarian. A fear of needles may have been the reason that dream never came to fruition.

Jeanne’s Ted Talk

What’s your role/what do you do @ THC? 

Finish one of these sentences: Community is or Good food is
Community is the foundation of happiness, growth, and purpose.

Favorite place to adventure i.e. favorite fishing hole, hike, lake, etc.?
Anywhere with water!

What does food justice mean to you?
Food justice means everybody enjoys a seat at the table, we know where our food comes from, and there is decision-making power. Food justice means equitable access to land, education, capital, and markets. It also means that policies and practices are not an unnecessary barrier to producers or to consumers. Food justice involves the entirety of the food system- from seed, soil, and farmer to distributors, chefs, and shoppers. Every step of the way, we should see fair and uplifting opportunities for people to access the tools and knowledge to enjoy and share the greatest pleasure in life- eating!

aka master troubleshooter aka human computer

I oversee HR, Finance, IT, Data/Statistics/Program Analysis, Operations, Fundraising & Communications Support, Strategic Development and Organizational Planning and basically answer, to the best of my ability, every question that comes my way.

What does food justice mean to you?

Food justice for me is about removing food from the equation. I have never been able to wrap my head around the commodification of basic needs. How is it that in our modern society, your basic needs – food, water, shelter – are things that can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, for you to access if you happen to find yourself in crisis or challenged by circumstance? I understand the benefits of a free market system and believe in free will, but we can do better. Justice to me is a society that values the inherent worth of its inhabitants and ensures that everybody has a chance to live a healthy, happy life.

As a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

An oceanographer. Yes, I grew up in land-locked Idaho. I credit National Geographic for this. When I was a kid, they sent a flimsy plastic record tucked inside one issue that had whale songs on it. I played it over and over again on my record player while looking at intense blue photos of humpbacks in a frothy ocean. I was hooked.

What makes you most proud about working at The Hunger Coalition?

I love that we are not afraid to self-reflect at The Hunger Coalition. We are almost constantly in a state of evaluation and evolution because the challenges our community members face are not static. Sure, the core challenge is the same – access to healthy, affordable food – but the details behind the challenges are complex. We are constantly seeking better, more efficient ways to serve our community that will lead to the best possible outcomes for all. That’s a pretty big mountain to climb, but we have an amazing community supporting us and a very dedicated staff to help us get there.

What’s the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?

Read historical fiction. That in itself isn’t that nerdy, but I can get obsessed by an era I’m reading about and will spend hours googling the people and places to get an accurate picture in my head. You would think I would love historical non-fiction because of this, but I prefer the passion of fictional tales.

aka story farmer, fun-draiser, Mac

I take all that’s beautiful, powerful, and fun at The Hunger Coalition and distill it for the community to bridge one big, happy good food family.

What does food justice mean to you?

That the depth of your pockets, color of your skin, where you’re from, or who you love won’t limit what’s for dinner. That our food systems should be in the hands of the people and easy on the earth. That food should be a source of joy and health.

Who is your Food or Social Justice Hero?

The Obamas, Woody Guthrie, and the folks on this page.   

What do you love most about our community?

The scenery and the soul.

As a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

First a DJ and then more realistically, a rock journalist for Rolling Stone thanks to the movie Almost Famous.

aka fence-leaning chit-chat specialist

I am a soil and community food steward who manages food production at Bloom Community Farm and The Hope Garden.

Community is… being present and participating gracefully with known and unknown people, plants, and animals you share your spot of earth with.

Favorite place to adventure?

Pioneer Mountains!

As a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

I thought I was going to save whales. Also quite worthy, but happy to be working on sustainable foods!

What’s your role/what do you do @ THC?
Participant Resource Coordinator
In short words, my role consists of listening, problem-solving, and connecting the community with resources they may not be aware of.

What do you love most about our community?
The overall unity! It’s astounding that we live in a small area, yet, we have an abundance of resources. The community has great organizations and individuals that are constantly collaborating and helping one another.

As a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
The next Disney star…clearly that didn’t work out.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?
Probably a kiwi? A kiwi is small, has an inconspicuous exterior but it’s not what you expect on the inside.

I am the Food Production Coordinator.

This means I get to spend my days with dirt under my nails, wrestling with Idaho weather and coaxing seeds and baby plants into their full potential and into people’s bellies.  Oh and wrangling rogue chickens back into their pen with the help of my dog, Frankie.

What does good food mean to you?
…food grown and prepared with love.

What is your role/what do you do at THC?

My official title is Community Care Assistant. I am the first line of defense for operations. I get to tackle all the little projects that support the bigger picture. I support all my coworkers with what they may need, whether it be to make a few phone calls to non-English speakers or help backing up a truck and trailer. I strive to be involved in aspects of each program so I can be available to help if its ever needed.

 As a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

As a kid I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be an astronaut, a marine biologist, a veterinarian, a music producer, a world class chef, a geneticist, an archeologist..anything and everything that sparked any interest needed to be turned into a career. To this day I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up but I hope being here at the Hunger Coalition will lead me to my passion.

 What does food justice mean to you?

To me, food justice means that parents get to choose yummy fresh fruits and veggies for their kids instead of cheap low nutrient foods because they don’t have to take price into consideration, that food related diseases stagnate or decrease because we all have access to foods that do our bodies good. We all want to do well for ourselves physically and mentally as we grow into adults and start our own families and having access to good healthy food should not have to be a privilege, but a standard way of life.

What’s your role/what do you do @ THC?
I am the Community Care Assistant which can mean anything from answering phones to helping out with weekly food distributions, to ordering supplies, to translating, to planning events and so much more! Basically, I help with all of our programs and support my coworkers in any way, shape, or form I possibly can! You can call me the “Coordinator of the Coordinators”, “Face of The Hunger Coalition”, or if you prefer (which I do) the “Gatekeeper of The Hunger Coalition”!

Who is your Food or Social Justice Hero?
Dolores Huerta! If you do not know who she is, you should! Dolores is a civil rights activist and labor leader who has been an advocate for workers, women’s, and immigrants’ rights for many years now! She confounded the National Farmworkers Association (now known as United Farm Workers Organizing Committee) in 1962 with fellow Latino civil rights activist Caesar Chavez and was the only woman to sit on their board till 2018! Dolores has won many awards for her community service and advocate work including the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights from President Bill Clinton in 1998, the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2012, and the fact that she was the first Latina to be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame! She is also the originator of the phrase that Obama’s campaign ran with “Si Se Puede” and in the state of California, April 10th is the official “Dolores Huerta” day! To learn more about Dolores and her Ahhh-AmAzing life I recommend watching the documentary titled: Dolores

Favorite place to adventure i.e. favorite fishing hole, hike, lake, etc.?
Anywhere and everywhere! Old or New! I love traveling, exploring, and learning about different cultures through my adventures! You can catch me hiking on a mountain top one morning and in the city the next day checking out the local marketplaces and their wares!

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?
If I was a fruit, I would be a Pitaya (more commonly known as Dragon Fruit) because it is colorful with a strong exterior and very different looking from other fruits. However, though the Dragon Fruit may look very different on the outside it is sweet on the inside and tastes similar to the common apple or pear. Therefore, even though I might look loud and crazy with my bright clothes and accessories and seem super confident all the time on the inside I am more like you than I might seem! Plus, it’s a Latin American fruit, and I am a Latin American so we have that in common too!

As the Bloom Youth Project Supervisor, I teach a crew of teenagers how to grow good food and turn their harvest into a small business out of Bloom Truck all the while imparting life skills to help support bright, resilient futures.

What does food justice mean to you?

Food justice is rooted in equity, community, cultural vibrancy, and socially and environmentally-conscious policy. It manifests in communities in so many unique and colorful ways. Food justice is about access, the voices of all people of a community being heard and the freedom for individuals to participate in their food system as a farmer, consumer, activist or however else passion and necessity drives.

Favorite snack from Bloom Community Farm or The Hope Garden?

Carrots or snap peas. Nom nom nom.

As a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

As a kid, I was pretty positive I was going to be a veterinarian or photographer for National Geographic. I also thought I’d probably end up romping around the wilderness living off the land with a pack of wolves or something, so I guess I still have some work to do.  

My role at The Hunger Coalition is to work with hundreds of people with a fascinating array of backgrounds that they bring to the table as a volunteer, participant, donor, or partner.  I coordinate the ins and outs of many aspects of our food programs for adults and children by working with amazingly talented staff and volunteers.

What’s your vision for a healthier Blaine County?

If everyone had what they needed to feel “whole”, “alright”, “content”…happy and peaceful, even.  Wouldn’t that be ideal? A healthier Blaine County is one in which everyone has true access to the resources they need and the community they need in order to feel as whole as possible. A good start to this is to address the deeply ingrained institutions that ensure poverty continues.

Best meal you’ve made with produce from Bloom or Hope (recipes much appreciated!)?

Radish Green Pesto

What do you love most about our community?

I love that I can wear my pajamas to the grocery store and that I haven’t had to wear heels for 8 years.  

Flavorite Food Pun….

Have you ever tried to eat a clock?  It’s very time consuming. I donut think I understand puns.  

What’s your role/what do you do @ THC?

Mary is the name, development is the game! I support and collaborate with our stellar development team to continue bringing The Hunger Coalition’s resources to our community.

Who is your Food or Social Justice Hero? 

Rachel Carson launched the environmental movement with her research and publishing of Silent Spring. The book opened my eyes to the ripple effect our actions create and sparked my interest in protecting our Mother Earth! Bob Dylan is also my man….from protest songs to literary musical masterpieces – he’s definitely the guy.

Finish one of these sentences: Community is… or Good food is… 

Good food is meant to fill the bellies of all people regardless of who you are, where you come from, or your economic background. 

Favorite snack from Bloom Community Farm or The Hope Garden?

Gimme those carrots!

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?  

Totally a root veggie comfort food dish. I’m hearty, versatile, and try to make those around me as comfortable as possible. 

aka The Glue aka Striving to achieve magical unicorn status every day

I have the best job in the world. I supervise and support all programmatic staff and aspects of our organization. Some days you will find me enjoying a cup of tea with a patron who is seeking emergency food assistance. Other days I am conducting a staff meeting in the middle of the farm. I get to brainstorm the best possible programmatic excellence strategies with my stellar staff and watch them tackle obstacles which pop up daily, always with the best interest of our patrons as their guiding principle. I work closely with our fearless leader. She and I have been in this together for almost ten years. I am the yang to her yin and we balance each other out perfectly.

Who is your Food or Social Justice Hero?

This changes often for me. Currently, I am grasping the depth of my white privilege and how it shapes my life. Robin DiAngelo is certainly who I go back to almost weekly to be reminded about the work I need to do in the area of becoming a true anti-racist.

Favorite snack from Bloom Community Farm or The Hope Garden?

Simply picking the kale and eating it on the spot. I call our kale “life changing kale”. I have converted many farm visitors who claimed to hate kale. I am not sure why it is so good. Maybe something sweet in our soil? Good karma?

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

I would be a Sabra (prickly pear). To Israelis I am considered a Sabre because I was born in Israel. It is a fruit with a hard exterior shell and super sweet and colorful on the inside.

What’s your role/what do you do @ THC?

My role is to be a voice for the ones who are needing it so we can share in the food, but most of all to listen when no words are spoken.

What does food justice mean to you? Food is a way of showing love to others and the way we keep communication with one another as humans. It is so important it keeps me happy and brings joy to my life and my loved ones to share a meal.

Who is your Food or Social Justice Hero? Farmers of the world who keep planting crops and replanting even when the mother nature comes in and freezes the crops, they keep on planting. They don’t give up! Can you imagine if a long time ago people stopped planting? We would be without food. It is a lost art as it is. The newer generations are not as good of gardeners as our ancestors and they did not have the technology we have now.

Favorite snack from The Hope Garden? Cherry Tomatoes are the best thing I have ever had in my life, they melted in my mouth! Teo and the Women’s Group ladies were watering the plants and I saw a baby yellow tomato. I put in my mouth and added a pinch of cilantro and a pinch of chive and I was in heaven. Jummy.