This spring we welcomed three new additions to the Fresh Truck team! From mobile market operations to development, we are excited for the talent and enthusiasm they will bring to help us carry out our mission.
We are excited to have you join the Fresh Truck family. What is your role at Fresh Truck and what are excited to take on as part of the team?
Francelino: Operations Manager. I’m excited to be a part of a great and growing organization that is dedicated to helping others and making a basic human right (food) available, specifically to those who are without access.
Markiesha: As the development manager, I’m excited for a variety of tasks, but what most captures this is being able to think, use creativity and bringing fresh ideas to the table. I’m also looking forward to learning how to tell our story to different groups of people, whether it’s through speaking, visuals or anything else that can capture the ideas and impact of Fresh Truck and Fresh Connect. The last thing, which isn’t related to my role, but should be, is designing Fresh Truck inspired clothing and gifts.
Karla: Market Manager. I’m just excited to connect with people. To learn from other individuals.
A huge part of what Fresh Truck does is focused on healthy food access. Why is food important to you?
Francelino: Food is life. It is an essential part of our lives and it gives us energy and nutrition to live.
Markiesha: Similar to what Francelino mentioned, food is important to me because it’s one of the essential necessities of life. Without food in general, we would all be extinct. Without healthy food, we all would have medical issues that can be prevented. Food is also nice because it’s one of the few things I believe brings people together no matter who they are, where they come from or what they believe in.
Karla: Food has many layers to it. I find it amazing how our food choices affect our personal health, impact the planet, and define our existence. Have you ever noticed the “international” aisle in grocery stores? Another colonized commodity institutionally becoming a luxury for the financially satisfied to enjoy.
I’ve noticed how this institutionalization impacts the food choices of fellow boricuxs living in PR. Opting for boxed and frozen food items because that bunch of cilantro is $6 and those four apples are $7, when I can buy 2 boxes and 3 bags of frozen fruits/veggies for $10. Out in Guatemala, the only fresh produce available for fellow paisanxs are the produce deemed “not good enough” to ship to the U.S. Tell me, how these places so abundant in biodiversity, its civilians cannot enjoy the fruits from their own homelands? The United States seems to be keen on dividing and conquering not only its backyard, but also displacing individuals within its border.
In short, I am a huge advocate for food sovereignty. Let’s not rely on corporate food decisions. Support local farmers, purchase what’s in season, save the planet with those choices.
What’s your favorite food memory from your childhood?
Francelino: I remember my mom making this delicious meal called ‘cove’: it was a mix of collard greens, onions, tomatoes, coconut milk, and peanuts.
Markiesha: My family is really big: I have 5 siblings, parents, grandparents, a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins, so we always had huge family parties for special occasions and holidays. The table was always full of all different types of food because everyone cooked and brought the dish to the designated household that the event would be happening at. Being together in that setting was always fun and seeing how our roles changed as we get older is interesting. I now serve everyone at the parties and tend to eat last or if I’m lucky, I get the scraps, which isn’t always fun, but I don’t mind it and it ensures everyone eats and certain people are not taking everything and trying to take platters home (there’s always that one or two people that you have to hide the food from, :)).
Karla: I loved making tortillas with my mom growing up. My favorite part was creating tortillas out of its ordinary, circular shape. I’d turn them into dogs, hearts, triangles… it’s something that I still like to do with tortillas today.
This wouldn’t be a Fresh Truck interview without a fun icebreaker. So… if you were any fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?
Francelino: I would be a banana: I have a soft center and excellent people skills, but I also have thick skin and am not put off by setbacks. I grow and develop all year round.
Markiesha: Is that even a question? 🙂 Obviously, a pineapple: I have a very tough exterior, but I’m a sweet person, a ray of joyous sunshine and I tend to surprise a lot of people. Haha. Side note: I think I may be somewhat allergic to pineapples or maybe just the core because when I eat the core (or maybe just too many slices at once), my lip starts to sting. But no worries, I eat it in moderation and don’t have it often.
Karla: A honey mango, aka an ‘ataulfo’. In my opinion, I think that they are the most delicious mango in the family. Biting into its meat is a sensation no other mango can aspire to. Sweet and succulent.
During the smoothie demonstration Scholars were able to participate in preparing and blending their own drinks. Throughout all the demonstrations Scholars were encouraged to try new things. With their smoothies, they were able to try new and different combinations, including green smoothies. Which to their surprise still tasted great! Getting them involved and learning with their hands and taste buds empowered the Scholars to understand more about their diets, bodies, and nutrition. Parents also reported having an easier time getting them to eat healthily and be involved in their food preparation at home.
