Exploring the volunteer efforts of students who go above and beyond by serving the local and campus communities Name: Kelsey Seiferth '18 Organization: Food Recovery Network Role: President What is your organization's mission? Food Recovery Network is the largest student movement against food waste and hunger in America. We strive to take food from the dining hall that would otherwise go to waste and bring it to local agencies in Poughkeepsie. What does your organization do on campus to help Marist and the surrounding community? Food Recovery Network members collect the unserved food from the dining hall five days per week. We strive to bring awareness about food sustainability and conservation to the Marist community. We get involved in fundraisers and collaborate with other organizations on ways to further achieve our mission. We participate in other volunteer opportunities when possible with Youth Mission Outreach and Dutchess Outreach for example. Last semester, Food Recovery Network held a book drive for the children of Youth Mission Outreach and this semester we are currently holding a school supply drive. Describe your role in the organization. As president I am in charge of overseeing all of the other board members. I designate roles and responsibilities so that our food runs can go smoothly each day. I seek additional opportunities to get involved in promoting our club’s mission both on and off campus. I also search for additional volunteer opportunities that may further assist our agencies. In addition, I listen to club members’ ideas and strive to implement them into our club. Club members choose the days and times for runs by voting. This ensures that as many students who want to participate in the club can do so. I communicate monthly with the Food Recovery Network Headquarters about successes our chapter is having and ask for ways to improve. Why did you join this organization? Food Recovery Network provided me with an opportunity to get involved in an organization that strives to help others. I have always enjoyed participating in community service and helping others. Food Recovery Network allowed me to escape from the Marist College campus and make a difference in the surrounding community that would be my home for four years. I continue to participate in Food Recovery Network because I love getting involved on campus, helping others and meeting new people. What are some skills you have acquired through your leadership position in the organization?
Being president of this organization has taught me so much and has been an honor. I have learned the importance of establishing board positions and trusting board members to carry out their respective roles. In addition, I have learned how to be confident through holding meetings and events. I have enhanced my communication skills by communicating with local agencies and sustainability organizations in the Hudson Valley. Food Recovery Network has provided me with the opportunity to network and mentor other potential chapters such as the one at the Culinary Institute of America. How do you think these skills will help you along your career path? As a graduating senior with a major in psychology/special education I think being on the board of Food Recovery Network has enhanced my communication skills. As a teacher I will be communicating with administrative staff, other teachers and parents. In addition, collaboration in the classroom is key just as it is essential to Food Recovery Network. I collaborated with my board members each meeting and asked them for their opinions or ideas on how we could execute certain tasks successfully. Through this leadership role I have become more confident and as a future educator and I will need to be confident in my ability to effectively teach all of my students. Photos courtesy of Kelsey Seiferth. Join the Food Recovery Network - Marist College Facebook group and follow FRN_Marist on Instagram. If you're interested in volunteering, email [email protected].
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