Isaac Reid, Program Associate – Food, Climate, & Environment: Isaac has been passionately involved in local food systems since they were a child through an interest in local produce and culinary science and is thrilled to be growing that passion at the RIFPC! While in undergrad at Indiana University, Isaac worked at FARM Bloomington as a cook and pastry chef. Isaac also received their 200-hour yoga teaching certification. This led them to take a postgrad internship in Ayurvedic medicine with Banyan Botanicals at their regenerative herbal farm in Williams, Oregon. They spent days tending to the farm, nights learning, and weekends exploring the natural beauty of the Applegate Valley. Isaac couldn’t leave the West Coast just yet, they did a year of service with FoodCorps in Klamath Falls, Oregon teaching kids to cook. For Isaac’s second year of service with FoodCorps, they journeyed across the country to Providence, RI, serving in Providence Public Schools. There, Isaac and their counterpart teamed up with the RI School Recycling Project to empower kids to compost in school cafeterias district-wide. While at FoodCorps, I was selected to be a member of the Service Member Action Committee (SMAC). As the senior member of SMAC, Isaac led the committee in presenting to the executive team at FoodCorps for their Regional Equity Project. Isaac then went on to administer the Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at the Rhode Island Department of Education.
Isaac is excited to be joining the RIFPC as the Food, Climate, and Environment Program Associate! Isaac is working to expand municipal outreach, empowering local communities to build and expand compost infrastructure statewide. Provide educational resources and proven compost infrastructure frameworks to municipal leaders. Educate community members on foodways that prevent wasted food from making it to our landfill. Isaac is also thrilled to be helping grow the Annual Rhode Island Compost Conference!