Meet the FoodCorps
Meet the 2007-2008 FoodCorps team and learn a little about their interests, backgrounds, and what compelled them to join FoodCorps.
Tessa Roberts
Montana State University
Hawthorne School
Bozeman, MT
(406) 994-6775
tr_nic10@yahoo.com
Tessa Roberts is from the small farming community of Wibaux, Montana and graduated from MSU Bozeman with a degree in Food & Nutrition. She completed a Dietetic Internship in Boise, Idaho and recently passed the Registered Dietician exam to begin her career in the field of nutrition. While completing her degree, Tessa has had the opportunity to work in many foodservice environments including schools, universities, hospitals, nursing homes and restaurants. This work experience, in combination with her understanding of Montana’s agriculture, has her well prepared to coordinate Bozeman’s Farm to Cafeteria projects. Tessa was introduced to FoodCorps through a professor at MSU, and knew it would be a good match for her social personality and love for community nutrition. She knows that being a part of FoodCorps will help her build an understanding of local food systems, which will be valuable experience for a future in the nutrition field.
Sarah Kester
University of Montana
Missoula, MT
(406) 243-4058
sarah.kester@mso.umt.edu
Sarah grew up in North Dakota and has been a Montana resident for eight years. Last May she received a degree from the University of Montana in Sociology with an emphasis in Rural and Environmental Change. She strengthened her interest in food systems through studying the relationship between rural poverty and the decline of family farms both nationally and in Montana. Sarah has a deep appreciation for good food, including where it comes from, and has always supported local farmers and ranchers with the goal of reducing her carbon footprint. Sarah joined FoodCorps to expand this personal standard to an institutional setting, and acknowledges that the University of Montana has made great progress with their Farm to College program. She feels honored to further their pursuits in agricultural development and local foods. Sarah finds much joy year round in the mountains of western Montana both on foot and on a snowboard.
Kevin Moore
University of Montana Western
Dillon, MT
(406) 683-7144
k_moore1@umwestern.edu
Kevin is originally from Northern California, and was first exposed to the relationships of food, family and community on his Grandfather’s farm. The connections made on this small piece of land planted seeds for a life-long interest in food systems. He received a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy from Fort Lewis College in southwest Colorado, which highlighted many issues surrounding sustainable agriculture and led to his desire to “close the food gap.” Kevin joined FoodCorps to gain experience on the institutional side of the local food movement, and is excited to begin his second year on the team. He plans to use the foundations laid last year to significantly boost Western’s Farm to College program. When not in the garden or kitchen, Kevin spends his free-time fishing the pristine rivers and exploring the opens spaces of Beaverhead County.
Erin Foster West
Missoula County Public Schools
Missoula, MT
(406) 549-0453
missoulaf2s@montana.com
Erin grew up gardening with her family in Montana, and has always had an interest in agriculture. She left Montana to attend Macalester College in St. Paul, were she boosted her interest in food systems by working on a CSA farm in western Minnesota. Erin continued to study food systems through college and received a degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in food and water issues. During her senior year, Erin worked for a community gardening organization which allowed her to delve deeper into the politics of local and sustainable food. In addition, Erin is very interested in issues surrounding access to education, and this FoodCorps position allows her to work directly with students and teach them about the impacts their food choices have on their bodies, environment, and communities. She is excited to merge this aspect of her work with that of farmers, school foodservice operators, and the general support of sustainable agriculture. Erin is excited to be back in Montana, and among her many interests she enjoys farming, hiking, canoeing, cooking, traveling, and crafting of all sorts.
Patrick Murphy
Salish Kootenai College
Pablo, MT
(406) 275-4941
murphypaddy@hotmail.com
Patrick grew up in Kalispell, in Northwest Montana’s Flathead Valley, where he spent his childhood exploring, and developing a deep connection with the pastoral and wild places that make Montana such a great place to grow up. In 2004 he graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies from The University of Montana, and became involved with food and local agriculture through classes and service-learning offered at the PEAS Farm. After venturing out of Montana for various travel and employment opportunities, he has returned to Montana with a smile on his face, and a more cultivated appreciation for what makes Montana such a unique and great place to live. Patrick is excited to be working with the Farm to College program at Salish Kootenai College and the communities of the Flathead Reservation, and will continue to build and promote healthy connections among the people and places that make up our community.