By: Grace Hoening – Former Social Media Coordinator
It’s not every day you meet someone who radiates passion and purpose, but that’s exactly what you’ll feel when you sit down with Emily, Director of Florida Operations.
As a driving force behind FoodRecovery.org’s efforts in Florida, Emily dedicates her time to ensuring that no meal goes to waste and that every possible resource is channeled toward those in need. In this interview, she offers a unique glimpse into the powerful impact of food recovery.
Emily shares a story that’s deeply close to her heart—a story about the powerful, life-changing work FoodRecovery.org is doing with Orange County Public Schools in Florida.
What is it like working with a school district?
In 2021, we started working with Orange County Public Schools in Florida. Like most things, it began small as a pilot program, and has expanded to 30 schools that frequently donate. The impact has rippled through the community in ways we never imagined. I received a heartfelt message from Karima, who works with the Istiqaamah Foundation in Orlando. Her words captured the essence of why this work matters so much:
“I wanted to thank you so very much. You are amazing at what you do. Thank you so much. I’m so happy the children are going to get these drinks this weekend at our school. It is a school that teaches ethnic minority children the English language, those who are coming from different countries and to teach special needs children. And [we] also educate their mothers who are coming from different countries, so I know it will be used. Thank you so much.”
Reading this, I was overwhelmed with emotion. This is why we do what we do. To know that the food we help recover is nourishing children and their families—it’s everything.
What’s different about working with a school district compared to other food donors?
School districts are incredibly fast-paced, and it’s rewarding to get the kitchen staff on board and into the regular habit of donating. Watching schools embrace food recovery has been one of the greatest joys of my career. The kitchen staff at these schools work tirelessly to feed their students, yet they still find the time and energy to gather food from share tables and donate it through FoodRecovery.org. Their dedication is nothing short of inspiring.
Frank, the Food Service Manager at Avalon Middle School, was one of our first champions. He was hesitant at first but quickly became an advocate. He told me:
“While I was reluctant at first to try something new, I said, ‘Let me give it a try.’ As soon as I found out how easy and quick it was to use FoodRecovery.org and input the information, it took less than 5 minutes, and their response time was so quick on getting a pick-up for the items.”
Hearing this from Frank reassured me that we were on the right path—making it easy for people to do good.
What is it like having such a large group of people working together in Florida?
It’s inspiring, to say the least. Our network of reliable drivers is the backbone of our operation, ensuring that food reaches those in need swiftly. Sometimes, I watch a post go out and within minutes it’s claimed, all thanks to the incredible community we’ve built. Our drivers are not just employees—they’re partners in this mission, showing up every day, often sitting in traffic, all to ensure that no food goes to waste. Their commitment is a constant reminder that we’re in this together.
What’s it like living in the community you’re serving?
Living in the state I’m serving allows me to connect with people face-to-face, not just through a screen. There’s something so fulfilling about meeting the people we’re helping and seeing the impact of our work firsthand. I helped start the Florida Food Recovery Coalition, which brings together partners from all across the state to collaborate and strengthen our food recovery network. It’s amazing to be a part of something so much bigger than myself.
How does your previous job connect with what you do today?
My time at the University of Florida/IFAS Extension, Family Nutrition Program, gave me the opportunity to build relationships with research farms, one of which is about an hour from my home. This farm gleans its harvest and donates it through us, even though they can’t sell their produce. I’ve had the privilege of going out to harvest the donated produce, alongside partners like the Society of St. Andrew. I’ll never forget picking strawberries—delicious, sun-ripened strawberries that I might have tasted a few too many of (but don’t tell!). It’s these experiences that fuel my passion for food recovery.
Is there anything new and exciting coming up?
I can’t wait for this upcoming school year. We’re planning to expand and support more organizations like the Istiqaamah Foundation. More schools are donating each year, and more nonprofits are signing up with us to claim these donations. It’s thrilling to see how quickly we can get food from schools to those who need it most.