ABOUT OUR MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Full name: Kelly Froats
Pronouns: she/her
Biography: I grew up on the Oregon coast where most of my family still lives. I moved to the valley with my two young sons to finish college about 15 years ago. I got my Bachelors in Planning, Policy, and Public Management which I’m currently using to substitute teach and I think middle schoolers are my favorite for structured group teaching. I love kids and am stoked that my partner has two littles so I get to have littles around a lot more often! Both of my sons live far away, one in the military and one in Moscow, Russia, and I miss them both very much. I still have produce that I put up with the help from my youngest years ago <3
Q: If you were a fruit or vegetable, which would you be and why?
A: Blackberry, because I’m sweet
Q: Do you have a favorite food recipe to share with the EAG community?
A: I love making smoothies! It’s an awesome way to use up scraps and produce that’s past its prime all while getting in your fruits and sneaking in veggies. A great way to help with the veggie sneaking is to make kale pucks. Simply stuff as many greens as you can in the blender and add apple cider or whatever juice you have on hand, blend and then freeze in cupcake tins and freeze in gallon ziplocks. Picky eaters don’t even notice 🙂
ABOUT YOUR EAG JOURNEY
Q: When did you join Eugene Area Gleaners (EAG)?
A: 2013
Q: What inspired you to join EAG?
A: Brandy doing a powerpoint presentation at what I think was a propagation fair.
Q: What volunteer role(s) have you held with EAG?
A: Glean Leader
Q: Why do you love volunteering with EAG?
A: I love helping people eat while minimizing waste and finding free local produce!
Q: Do you have a favorite gleaning experience, cherished memory, or fun moment?
A: I loved dragging my two now-grown sons along on gleans, helping them eat better while understanding where their food comes from. Now, I love when we have gleans that allow kids for the same reasons.
Q: What are your words or wisdom or tips on how to be a successful gleaner and EAG volunteer?
A: When you’re divvying up your group’s haul at the end, be mindful of how much you can actually process in the next few days. It helps a lot to have another set of hands. Also try new methods; canning, dehydrating and freezing, lots of these tools are accessible through the gleaners library. Lastly, encourage all your friends and family to join so you can share your bounty while adhering to the rules.
