See how Owen–the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator VISTA serving with the Portland Fruit Tree Project–led volunteers to make this year’s annual fundraiser PFTP’s most successful to date!
Learn how Grace nurtured FISH Food Bank’s new backyard gleaning program and harvested 2,165 pounds of apples in 2025 alone! By bringing Volunteers, Homeowners and FISH together, she is redirecting food to community members and rebuilding the Kittitas Food System!
Learn how Owen (Harvest VISTA member) collaborated with the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland to set up a volunteer day at the Parkrose Community Orchard.
Abigail Nkansah is originally from Kumasi, Ghana, and recently moved from Dallas, Texas. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, and taking long nature walks – activities that give her space to reflect and recharge. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in
As a Harvest VISTA – Sydney supported FareStart’s stakeholders by creating a produce identification guide that is now used in their kitchen and food storage areas.
Jen Roberts is a VISTA member serving with Harvest Against Hunger and the Washington Gleaning Network. The network seeks to support sustainable, equitable food systems that reduce food waste and support communities statewide. Since 2023, Harvest Against Hunger has hosted an AmeriCorps VISTA member to
Christopher Bennett-Boehm has joined Harvest Against Hunger as the AmeriCorps VISTA Leader, where he will focus on refining the Harvest VISTA program’s recruitment and engagement. Drawing from his background in program coordination, he brings a strong skill set for optimizing processes and managing communications. Christopher
Hello from Okanogan County! My name is Valerie Mason, and I’m honored to begin my service with the Okanogan County Community Action Coalition (OCCAC) as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator VISTA. I’m excited to share a little about myself, the organization I’ve joined, and the
Sydney Shaw is from Boise, ID, but grew up in Washington state and lived in Utah and Ohio before landing in Seattle, WA. In Sydney’s free time, you can find her rock climbing, skiing, hiking, going to the gym, reading, sitting in local coffee shops,
Jennifer Roberts is a recent graduate from the University of Washington, where she received her BA in Political Science. She moved to Seattle from Phoenix, Arizona, and has volunteered with hunger relief organizations and food banks in both cities. She also volunteered with the University
Owen is now serving as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator VISTA with PFTP. The nonprofit seeks to expand its volunteer base in order to increase the amount of fruit that it donates to local food pantries. Owen will be present at many of PFTP’s work
As the Food Rescue Program Coordinator VISTA with FISH, Grace is building a food rescue program that increases the amount of fresh foods at the pantry. Grace will coordinate the collaborative efforts of farm and restaurant donors, volunteers, and the staff at FISH to divert
Lyn’s role as the Good Food Network VISTA is to aid the organization in creating a centralized resource of all organizations involved in addressing food security in Washington State. This will help in not only getting these organizations to collaborate, but can help others in
Grace Yang is a recent graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Public Health, Global Health, and a minor in diversity. She volunteered with the UW Food Pantry for all four years of university. During her time with the UW Food Pantry,
Owen Cooper is serving in Portland, Oregon at Portland Fruit Tree Project (PFTP). PFTP is a grassroots non-profit organization that cares for and harvests fruit trees in the Portland area for donation to local culturally-specific food pantries. Its mission is “to increase equitable access to
Lyn is a recent graduate from the University of Washington, with a Bachelors in Environmental Studies and Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health. From her education and experiences, she has been interested in work related to access, which has brought her to serving in the AmeriCorps
Mika is an AmeriCorps member serving in the Harvest VISTA Program focused on the sustainable agriculture and food programs. She is serving at the Blue Mountain Action Council as the Community Food Systems VISTA Coordinator in Walla Walla, Washington. Her service will help bring new
Emily Syrjala is the AmeriCorps member serving at The Making a Difference Foundation (MADF) as the Farm to Full Bellies Gleaning & Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator in Tacoma, Washington. The main goal of her service is to increase access to fresh and appropriate produce to food-insecure