“I joined Food Shift because of the mission, and I stayed because of the people. While working with Food Shift, there was never a dull moment. I was consistently empowered by the tasks I took on, and inspired by my colleagues’ brilliant ideas for shifting food systems in a less wasteful direction. Every time I had a chance to tout the mission and ideals of Food Shift to event participants or to my friends, I felt so proud to be part of an organization that is paving the way for a true food shift. Volunteering with Food Shift was an empowering experience that gave me practical career skills, an enhanced awareness about the issue, and personal connections to the food justice network in Oakland.”