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Gabe Gibbens is from Iowa City, IA and is serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the OIC of Washington in Yakima, WA. He went to college at the University of San Francisco where he received his BA in environmental studies with an economics minor. During his time in San Francisco, he was able to travel to a variety of Northern California farms where he learned about sustainability, farming practices, and community outreach. He also held an outdoor education mentor position in an after-school program in Bolinas, CA, where he helped students foster a connection with the environment around them, as well as learn skills in environmental stewardship and awareness, composting, and camping.

While attending the University of San Francisco, Gabe extended his knowledge of what social justice looks like through his courses that took place in the community around him. This allowed him to practice what he was learning in real time and gave him the opportunity to engage with his community. He hopes to bring the knowledge he gained from these experiences to Washington and to incorporate it in his Gleaning & Education Coordinator role.

Gabe is serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA through the Yakima OIC. This organization offers services in housing, education, and nutrition and health to the greater Yakima area. They operate multiple food banks, provide financial assistance to households at or below the poverty level, and coordinate a GED program. Gabe will be implementing outreach strategies to educate and engage the community in gleaning activities and the SNAP-Ed program. He will also be creating volunteer recruitment strategies and coordinating gleaning to collect and distribute healthy produce. Gabe is most excited to implement and coordinate gleaning and produce recovery efforts with farmers in the Yakima Valley. He is also looking forward to recruiting volunteers to strengthen and sustain systems for the future.