Volunteers – our heart beat

It’s hard to imagine a Farm Table Foundation without its volunteers. Any description would be incomplete because these generous men and women have been part of who we are and what we do right from the start.

Over the years, this growing community of men and women has donated time in the kitchen, bakery, as teachers, and in our gardens. They have helped welcome visitors to meetings and receptions, and have provided counsel and expertise in a number of disciplines.

Paula and Don Knutson

For example, Don and Paula Knutson regularly contribute their valuable, and greatly appreciated, time behind the scenes. Now retired, Don helps keep the kitchen scrubbed clean. He is meticulous, hardworking and knowledgable, having lead a professional cleaning operation for decades.  “Farm-to-table enterprises have always been close to my heart,” said Don, who grew up on a northern Minnesota family farm. “Volunteering here is greatly rewarding.”

Meanwhile, Paula and fellow volunteer Jess Flanery arrive early Wednesday mornings to help baker Marlee Crave create the restaurant’s delicious sweet and savory pies. A retired teacher, Donna said “volunteering with such creative, hard-working staff – using amazing local ingredients – brings me great joy.”

“I believe in and embrace the mission,” explained Jess, a radiologist with a life-long commitment to service. “I volunteer to show my support,” she said.

Farm Table greatly appreciates Don and Paula, Jess, and all the other volunteers who keep this nonprofit ticking. They are helping build a better food system, a more thriving local food culture.

Thank you.