Doron Gordon is a problem solver. An admitted “tech geek” by nature and having enjoyed a long career in computer technology, Doron says that he used to focus on what technology could do for business. These days, he’s using technology to solve problems for the world, but his solutions to the issues facing society are not all high tech. Sometimes, they involve efforts of a more basic nature—like pulling weeds and shoveling mulch. Doron Gordon is the founder of the Gordon Family Foundation, a generous funder of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and a frequent supporter and volunteer at Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s 14-acre Farm in Raleigh.
“The vision of using the Farm, not just for immediate needs, but more importantly for all of us, is to educate kids and the next generation of leaders about healthy eating and growing their own food, and distributing the message that you can be independent and you can own your own destiny,” explains Doron when asked about his commitment to the Food Shuttle Farm. He finds all the different education aspects of the Farm interesting in their own way, and very appealing.
The Gordon Family Foundation recently made a significant gift to the Food Shuttle Farm, which will support the completion of two buildings including a tractor barn and a multi-purpose building. Looking forward, Doron is working with the Food Shuttle to implement a pilot project using technology from FarmBot—an open-source CNC farming machine. In combination with the robotic system’s ability to grow and tend different crops on different cycles, the FarmBot program opens new educational avenues—connecting farming and technology in new and exciting ways.
“We want to put the FarmBot out at the Farm and we’re going to see what it can do. We’re going to experiment with a bunch of ideas and we’ll find ways to take that technology to more people and serve more people,” says Doron.
The Gordon family, led by Doron and his wife Mirjam, have committed considerable time as volunteers at the Food Shuttle. They both see it as a wonderful way to come together as a family. Recently, a large group made up of family and friends celebrated their daughter’s 18th birthday with a day of socially-distanced volunteer work (and fun). They are scheduled to volunteer again before Thanksgiving, with plans for other special dates already in the works. Mirjam says group members have their favorite volunteers tasks and frequently ask about opportunities to return to the Food Shuttle.
Doron takes his responsibility to “give back” to the community seriously. “It’s our responsibility as successful members of the community to get engaged. It’s our responsibility to contribute to everyone who was so kind to us. As business people and corporations and companies that are operating in the local community—we need to do more to give back to the community—especially these days. We need to explore and find new ways that are resonating with us and stand behind them.”
The Gordon Family Foundation and the Food Shuttle anticipate a long partnership in this work of ending hunger in central North Carolina. As Doron says, “we don’t have a clear vision for what the future could look like, but it’s exciting to explore.”