It’s Americorps week, so each day we’re featuring one of the dedicated Americorps members currently serving with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle! Today, meet Chelsea Travis, our Mobile Markets Health Coordinator, who is actually in her second term as an Americorps member with Public Allies North Carolina and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle – she spent her first year as our School Pantry Coordinator, expanding the number of our school pantries in Durham from a single pilot to pantries at 5 middle and high schools. This year, she is working with our Medical Mobile Farmers Markets held at area health clinics as a means of improving chronic health issues related to diet. Partnering with medical centers, we provide "prescription produce" of free fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments so that they can adhere to their doctor's dietary instructions, supporting their progress towards a healthy life.
What made you decide to become an Americorps Member? I chose to become an Americorps member because I wanted to spend some hands-on time helping others and gaining some invaluable training in the meantime. I hoped to travel some as well, and I have done all this and more in and around the community I've grown up in, and my eyes have been opened up to so many new perspectives and realities. It has been so rewarding!
What’s been your favorite moment working with IFFS so far? My best moments working with IFFS so far have been so numerous and varied that I cannot just choose one! So I'll give you a melange of my best moments: learning how to drive a delivery truck, culinary class lunches, warehouse surprises, awesome trainings and conferences, and funny/inspiring/home-y gatherings with amazing co-workers!
What do you like to do when you’re not working to end hunger? I like to dance, practice Capoeira, watch good movies- I am currently finishing the Star Wars trilogy, admire good art, and spend time with friends and family.
What’s your favorite movie? This is so hard I cannot pick just one favorite movie, but one of my favorites is Inception.
What would your last meal be? My last meal?! No clue. I just hope that it is good and cheesy. :)