Volunteer of the Month: Hannah Satuito
March 26, 2021
CUESA’s Volunteer of the Month program recognizes the dedication and work of some of our most active volunteers. CUESA 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 roles. Learn more about volunteering here.
Since August 2020, high school student Hannah Satuito has been a regular CUESA volunteer at the Saturday Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. She keeps steady shifts to pack the CUESA Farmers Market Boxes after an early stint at our Info Booth.
“Hannah is such a cheerful and positive addition to our CUESA Farmers Market Box volunteer team,” says Partnerships and Events Manager Rebecca Crawbuck. “She is always open to learning new things like the farmers market layout, what produce is seasonal each week, and how our produce box packing system works. I always look forward to working with Hannah and am so thankful that she chooses to spend her Saturday mornings with us.” Meet Hannah.
CUESA: Where does your interest in food come from?
Hannah: My interest in food comes from living in San Francisco, where I am exposed to a variety of foods and markets, especially in the Inner Sunset. The Bay Area has such a diverse spectrum of cultures bringing something new to the table, and I’m always eager to try them! Ever since I was younger I have loved seeing the variety of colorful produce on display at markets, and now I have a growing passion to experiment with new recipes and ingredients.
CUESA: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for CUESA?
Hannah: I started my sophomore year online, which then transitioned into hybrid learning. I am enrolled in a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering class with many hands-on projects that require much time and patience, but I’m glad it’s rigorous because I am able to incorporate my creativity from my arts and crafts experience. I’ve also been able to spend my afternoons practicing tennis with my team, and we’ve been able to compete recently. I enjoy spending my spare time with my family where we explore hiking trails, go biking, or play tennis and volleyball. With less time spent commuting to and from school, I’ve been able to bake and keep up with the latest food trends on the Internet—including the baking phase of sourdough bread and new cookie recipes. The pandemic has been challenging because it has disrupted my daily routine of going to school and competitive sports, but I’m grateful for the good things that have come from the limited options. I’ve loved having more family time, and I’ve appreciated being part of the special work and community at CUESA.
CUESA: Why are you choosing to volunteer with us at this time?
Hannah: I love going to farmers markets and discovering new and unique produce and goods. I chose to volunteer at this time because it’s outdoors, they have COVID-19 safety precautions and also to provide a helping hand to those who can’t visit themselves. With food accessibility more difficult during this time of crisis and uncertainty, CUESA was able to give farmers a platform to sell produce while also reaching out to an audience of all ages in the Bay Area. Two major programs that stood out to me were Foodwise Kids and Foodwise Teens, which really showcases the devotion to education about public health and food insecurity. While at home trying to make sense of the chaos of pandemic, finding volunteer opportunities here has truly helped me feel more connected with my community and the heightened challenges we face.
CUESA: What does the farmers market community mean to you?
Hannah: The farmers market community is full of warm and generous people who are passionate about their specialty goods. From devoted farmers to frequent visitors to the CUESA staff, it shines as a community with people from diverse backgrounds who all come together with a shared interest. My Saturday mornings are always the highlight of my week, and the market generally feels like a whole big celebration that I’m proud to be part of.
Topics: Volunteers and Interns