Growing Together
At The Good Eating Company, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the broader food system. Our volunteer program addresses all aspects of this system—from growing and cooking to distributing and ensuring access to nutritious food.
Serving with Love and Community
"I love how these volunteer experiences allow us to connect on a human level with the challenges faced across the food system," shares April Word, our sustainability specialist and coordinator of the volunteer events.
A Rooftop Farm
"Picking strawberries while viewing the Bay and San Francisco was a unique and wonderful experience," said GEC employee Jaimee Isaac.
In our recent volunteer outing, we had the privilege of learning about the incredible work of Deep Medicine Circle. This organization grows fresh, organic, and culturally appropriate produce for the community. The produce is provided at no cost to food hubs and partner organizations, such as UCSF Children's Hospital Oakland, POOR Magazine, and Moms4Housing in Oakland. Their motto, "Heal the earth and feed the people," resonates deeply with our mission at GEC.
Our day began with a tour of the one-acre rooftop farm. Currently, this farm produces a variety of vegetables, including cabbage, summer squash, lettuces, beets, tomatoes, and herbs. After the tour, we rolled up our sleeves and began harvesting peak-season, sun-warmed strawberries. We harvested several flats of strawberries, which were later distributed to the organizations mentioned above. Even an hour of harvesting gave us a deep appreciation for the labor that goes into every bite of food we eat.
"I was impressed by the Rooftop Medicine Farm in Oakland," Isaac added. "A rooftop farm in a city is a fantastic use of space and a great resource. I hope the idea spreads."
Throughout these experiences, Lisa Henderson, senior project manager, expressed her appreciation for the company's encouragement of volunteering. "I appreciate that The Good Eating Company encourages us to volunteer," she said. "It was fun to be outside, among plants, and see butterflies and hummingbirds."
In April, we participated in Glide's Daily Free Meals Program. This program serves over half a million meals annually to low-income, homeless, and hungry populations.
Glide embodies the essence of love and community. Volunteering at Glide was a heartwarming experience, allowing us to extend love, smiles, and warm meals. Seeing the difference we could make in just a few hours was truly impactful.
Our next event is scheduled for August. We will be heading to Second Harvest in San Jose to distribute fresh food. We are excited about another opportunity to support our community and ensure food access for all.
At The Good Eating Company, we strive to be a place where people are proud to work, knowing they can make an impact. Our volunteer program strengthens our bond with the community and fosters a spirit of collaboration and teamwork within our teams. We are growing the community and building a better food system, one act at a time.
