Bridgette Garnache is President of FRN at Oxford College of Emory University. Her chapter was able to recover food last semester despite challenges introduced by the pandemic, and plans to recover in Spring 2021 as well.
Melody, Food Recovery Network: What is most fulfilling about your work with FRN? Why?
Bridgette: The most filling part of my work with FRN is hearing feedback about the ways in which our chapter has impacted others, whether it be community members who received food that we had recovered or students who have become passionate about food justice issues after volunteering with us. We ultimately seek to serve others in the community, so this makes me incredibly proud!
FRN: What is your favorite part of being a member of your FRN chapter?
Bridgette: I have really enjoyed getting to connect with people that I would likely not have had the opportunity to connect with otherwise. For example, I've gotten to know our campus chef and dining hall staff, the leadership team at the food pantry we partner with, and fellow students that are interested in food-related service.
WHAT GOES INTO STARTING A CHAPTER?
FRN: During the pandemic, how has this experience been valuable to you?
Bridgette: With the constraints of worldwide lockdowns and remote learning, the pandemic has pushed me to create new ways to work towards addressing the food-related inequalities that have continued to increase in prevalence. As a way to connect students virtually and raise awareness about food justice, I created an introductory research program for students at my school. Throughout the semester myself and our FRN leadership team taught participants research methods and mentored them through the creation of research projects on a food-related topic of their choice. This past January, our chapter hosted a food justice symposium to display their work and it was a resounding success in terms of its ability to reach others and raise awareness!
FRN: What does a just and equitable food system look like to you?
Bridgette: One where all people have access to and control over food that is culturally relevant, desirable, nutritious, and affordable.
FRN: What advice would you give to new members – especially during a pandemic? What was something you wish someone had told you before you took on your role?
Bridgette: I’m the President of our chapter and something I wish I knew was to take initiative when possible and don’t let remote learning prevent you from working towards FRN’s mission—there are so many ways to be involved in improving our food system! Look for ways to leverage your own skills and resources to continue to work towards promoting food justice. Don’t let setbacks stop you and don’t lose focus on the “Why” of your work.
FRN: What is your Instagram handle?
Bridgette: @Oxford_CollegeFRN