This month we want to acknowledge and celebrate Andrew Strassel, an incredibly dedicated volunteer who embodies the spirit of service and compassion. Over the past year, Andrew has contributed his time and effort to support and enhance all of our programs at Bounty & Soul, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our mission. Andrew says, “Bounty & Soul really fosters a tremendous fire in my belly. It’s been amazing to do the work required, with intention and humility.” We thank you Andrew for all you do for the community and the passion and inspiration you bring to the Bounty & Soul family. To learn more about Andrew and what inspires him to volunteer with Bounty & Soul click here.
What motivated you to get involved with Bounty & Soul?
If we want transformation within food insecurity we must be the stewards of transformational actions. And, that’s exactly why I’m here.
I really connected with Bounty & Soul’s vision, and manifesto. Simple, clear, with intention and unity in purpose…
How do you think your skills, background, or personal qualities align with the mission of our organization of addressing food insecurity in our communities?
Healing, inspiring, and elevating others are the drivers in my life, particularly post pandemic.
Being able to connect others to wellness, education, and hope through produce and presence in community, it really doesn’t get better than that.
You’ve spent a lot of hours planting, cultivating and harvesting at our partner farms, what has drawn you to volunteer with the Farmers Alliance Program?
The grounding aspect of being on a farm is quite powerful and centering. Rooted in the action of care or harvest and then immediately to our three weekly markets is quite remarkable.
There’s no complex supply chain per se. It’s direct connection through community partnership. The Alliance Program consists of tremendous farms with differential attitudes about doing the next right thing, locally.
Local farms in or around the mountains provide healthy sustenance and hope. Any opportunity to glean or represent B&S as a helping partner I happily jump into.
Do you have a favorite memory while working here at Bounty & Soul that you’d like to share?
My experience here has shown that the best of our efforts whether through markets, HOP, the Farmers Alliance Program, or Root Cause is best reflected in the smiles of the faces we serve and empower.