We have a blind spot in America: 40% of food is wasted yet, 1 in 7 Americans does not know where their next meal is coming from. In Alabama, the number rises to 1 in 6. From farm to fork, we all play a part.
As the Sustainability Liaison at Grace Klein Community, a Birmingham nonprofit serving the poor, disadvantaged, and underprivileged, my work seeks to mitigate the gap between waste and hunger. We build systems to keep good food in circulation by strengthening waste management, expanding food preservation, supporting farmers, and growing compost efforts.
By locking arms with businesses, volunteers, and local farmers and gardeners, I invite people into stewardship. Jesus calls us to love God, love our neighbors, and to be faithful with our resources. Sharing His good news through practical service, turning overage food into meals and hope, inspires me.
From picking up trash on my elementary school playground to crying over a worm on my first fishing trip, I knew I was created to care for the Earth. Upon graduating from college, an unexpected door was opened as my sister met a nonprofit founder in South Africa. The door led to a summer internship with Grace Klein Community, twelve hours from home. I arrived in Alabama with one suitcase, thinking I was coming for a season. Within my first day, I felt the Lord make it clear: I was meant to stay, serve, and build community here.
After a year of being on staff, I can truly say I love meeting people in real need and working with food which must be preserved quickly. Our job is hard, but I have been rewarded with a deeper faith, stronger leadership, and greater gratitude. I see God provide needs daily.
To me, being American means responsibility to use innovation to serve the common good. I feel honored to do environmental work in the Deep South, where resourcefulness is ingrained and sustainability can be shared practically, personally, and with hope.
As the Sustainability Liaison at Grace Klein Community, a Birmingham nonprofit serving the poor, disadvantaged, and underprivileged, my work seeks to mitigate the gap between waste and hunger. We build systems to keep good food in circulation by strengthening waste management, expanding food preservation, supporting farmers, and growing compost efforts.
By locking arms with businesses, volunteers, and local farmers and gardeners, I invite people into stewardship. Jesus calls us to love God, love our neighbors, and to be faithful with our resources. Sharing His good news through practical service, turning overage food into meals and hope, inspires me.
From picking up trash on my elementary school playground to crying over a worm on my first fishing trip, I knew I was created to care for the Earth. Upon graduating from college, an unexpected door was opened as my sister met a nonprofit founder in South Africa. The door led to a summer internship with Grace Klein Community, twelve hours from home. I arrived in Alabama with one suitcase, thinking I was coming for a season. Within my first day, I felt the Lord make it clear: I was meant to stay, serve, and build community here.
After a year of being on staff, I can truly say I love meeting people in real need and working with food which must be preserved quickly. Our job is hard, but I have been rewarded with a deeper faith, stronger leadership, and greater gratitude. I see God provide needs daily.
To me, being American means responsibility to use innovation to serve the common good. I feel honored to do environmental work in the Deep South, where resourcefulness is ingrained and sustainability can be shared practically, personally, and with hope.
