Volunteer of the Month: Bronwyn Austin
March 24, 2022
Foodwise’s Volunteer of the Month program recognizes the dedication and work of some of our most active volunteers. Foodwise relies on volunteers to help with education programs, special events, public outreach, and other activities that help fulfill our mission to cultivate a sustainable food system. Most of our regular volunteer opportunities are currently on hold with the exception of farmers market, youth education and limited remote and office roles. Learn more about volunteering here. You can also sign up for our next volunteer orientation on May 18, 2022, here.
Referred by another volunteer and moved by Foodwise’s mission and education programs, Bronwyn Austin started volunteering with Foodwise in April 2018. She has volunteered at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Market to Table cooking demos, special events like Summer Picnic and Sunday Supper (both in person and virtual), and produce box packing during the pandemic.
“Seeing Bronwyn’s name on our volunteer schedule always puts a smile on my face!” says Rebecca Crawbuck, Partnerships and Events Manager. “She is consistent and dependable for many Foodwise projects, especially our fundraising and farmers market events. She brings a positive attitude, can-do spirit, and creative ideas to every volunteer shift. I am grateful that Bronwyn chooses to share her talents and time with her community through volunteering with Foodwise.” Meet Bronwyn.
Foodwise: Where does your interest in food come from?
Bronwyn: My interest in food started early thanks to my mom, who is a wonderful cook. As soon as I was old enough to hold a knife, she had me prepping veggies and cooking beside her. She often took me to the Marin Civic Center Farmers Market, where we would make a beeline for our favorite farmers. My love of food and cooking has only grown since!
Foodwise: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Foodwise?
Bronwyn: When I’m not volunteering for Foodwise, I am a designer/project manager at a landscape architecture firm. I can often be found baking too many cookies (and stashing extra dough in the freezer so that a warm cookie is only minutes away).
Foodwise: Why are you choosing to volunteer with us at this time?
Bronwyn: I choose to volunteer with Foodwise because of the wonderful community it fosters, the sustainable local farms it supports, and the education programs it provides for all ages. I have learned so much and met so many inspiring people as a Foodwise volunteer. Also, it doesn’t hurt to volunteer somewhere that you are always surrounded by delicious food.
Foodwise: What does the farmers market community mean to you?
Bronwyn: The farmers market community is so special. It spans generations, and offers such a wealth of food wisdom. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn at the market!
Foodwise: What does Foodwise mean to you?
Bronwyn: It is a community I was thrilled to become a part of while living in San Francisco for the first time after university. Foodwise creates opportunities for folks of all ages to connect with their food and with each other, and helps give me hope for a more sustainable, resilient future.
Foodwise: Any favorite farmers market foods or home meal prep tips you want to share?
Bronwyn: I know it’s only just spring, but I’m already counting down the days until tomato season. For now, I’m excited about crisp Zuckerman asparagus and treating myself to a slice of pie from Three Babes Bakeshop.
Topics: Community, Interviews, Volunteers and Interns