Motivated by the unprecedented rise in food scarcity during the pandemic, I dedicated four years to One Plant Many Families(serving as a leader for three) to combat meal shortages in the Dayton area.

Recognizing the need for consistent resources beyond our initial team of seven, we orchestrated strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Centerville High School’s Environmental Science program that yielded ~180 pounds of beetroots annually. I further expanded our capacity by securing surplus produce from local supermarkets and launching outreach campaigns that doubled volunteer participation.

These efforts ensured a reliable supply chain for The Food for the Journey Project, a mobile food bank that has served the Dayton area for over a decade. Through this work, I’ve gained meaningful experience in leadership, community engagement, and the importance of direct action in addressing hunger.