Volunteer: Jake

Occupation: Bartender from Austin, working in the restaurant industry as a bar manager and bartender.

How has your experience volunteering here impacted you personally?

Jake has found the experience to be a contrast to his often high-stress job in the bar industry. Volunteering at the Festival Beach Food Forest has allowed him to connect to the land, providing a peaceful escape from the daily grind.

What aspects of this volunteer work fulfill you the most?

He enjoys the opportunity to contribute to something successful within the community without the responsibility of managing an entire garden by himself. The communal aspect of working together on something meaningful resonates with him.

Can you describe your favorite moment or memory from volunteering at FBFF?

Jake appreciates the connections he’s made with others at the Food Forest. He mentioned how refreshing it is to see people come together to work toward a common goal and be a part of something positive for the local community.

Do you feel a sense of belonging through your work here? How so?

Yes, Jake feels a strong sense of belonging. Being part of a team working toward a common mission in a community-driven space has provided him with a feeling of connectedness and purpose.

How do you feel connected to the environment while volunteering at FBFF?

Jake values the hands-on experience of working with the land and plants. This has helped him feel more in tune with nature, offering a grounding and refreshing experience that contrasts with the fast-paced nature of his professional life.

What improvements would you suggest for enhancing the volunteer experience at FBFF?

While Jake hasn’t expressed a strong desire for major changes, he would love to see more opportunities to integrate fresh, local ingredients into businesses like bars, moving beyond the often-used "farm to table" concept that can sometimes feel inauthentic.

What is something you wish you could gain from this experience that is not currently offered at FBFF?

Jake is interested in exploring the idea of small-scale gardening in urban spaces, such as high-rise apartments. He sees potential in growing ingredients that could be used in bars, particularly since bar-related plants tend to be smaller in size and more manageable for small spaces.

Would you consider returning to volunteer in the future? Why or why not?

Yes, Jake would absolutely return to volunteer at FBFF. He appreciates the sense of community and the opportunity to connect with nature, which he finds rejuvenating and fulfilling outside of his busy bar work.

If given the opportunity, who would you invite to volunteer with you at FBFF? Why?

Jake would invite his colleagues from the restaurant industry to join him in volunteering at FBFF. He believes that working together in such a positive, community-driven space would help them better appreciate the value of fresh, local ingredients and foster deeper connections to the food they serve.

Volunteer: Alexa

Occupation: Professor, specializing in environmental science and ecology.

How did you find out about FBFF?

Alexa has been a part of FBFF's projects for the past 5-7 years. When she moved to Austin for her job, Google Maps showed the food forest as a place she could visit. She initially thought it was just a public park, but something about it spoke to her, and she decided to check it out.

How long have you been involved with FBFF?

Alexa has been volunteering at FBFF for about a year now.

Have you had prior experience with similar volunteer work?

Yes, Alexa has been involved with environmental and ecological projects for 5-7 years, including getting certified in permaculture. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous work in this field.

What motivates you to volunteer at FBFF?

Alexa is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to ecological restoration and sustainability. As outlined in the project brief, restoring local ecology and helping to create a positive impact in the community is where she feels she fits in at this stage of her life.

How has volunteering at FBFF impacted you personally?

When Alexa first moved to Austin, she only had one friend and was seeking ways to feel more connected to her new city. Volunteering at FBFF has allowed her to become a part of Austin beyond just being a professor. A year later, she feels much more interconnected with the community. She has developed a deep understanding of the local ecology, including knowledge of invasive species, and can now identify plants as she walks around campus, which has given her a sense of place and belonging.

What aspects of this volunteer work fulfill you the most?

Alexa finds fulfillment in being able to contribute to the city’s ecological restoration efforts. It’s not just about being a resident who does “normal things” — it’s about giving back to the city and being a reciprocal part of what makes Austin unique. She feels like she is leaving her footprint in a meaningful way.

Can you describe your favorite moment or memory from volunteering at FBFF?

One of Alexa’s favorite moments was when Karen, a fellow volunteer, brought tea made from roses grown in the food forest. After a long workday, sitting down with others and drinking the refreshing tea felt like a perfect way to end the day. It’s moments like these that she treasures the most — when the essence of the space and the community come together in such a simple, yet meaningful way.

How can your volunteer experience be improved?

While Alexa enjoys her time volunteering, she feels there could be improvements in the social integration of new volunteers. Sometimes, the social dynamics can feel a bit awkward or isolating, especially when the people she meets aren’t particularly open. There are occasions when leaders of the tasks don't introduce themselves or explain the goals of the work, which can leave volunteers feeling disconnected. A little more effort in making people feel welcomed and socially integrated would enhance the overall experience.

What is something you wish you could gain from this experience that is not currently offered at FBFF?

One thing Alexa wishes is that she had a better sense of the bigger picture when she volunteers. When she arrives, especially if she’s late, she sometimes doesn’t know what’s happening or how her efforts fit into the larger scope of the project. More communication about the overall goals and the impact of the volunteer work would help her feel more connected to the mission.

Would you consider returning to volunteer in the future? Why or why not?

Yes, Alexa would definitely return to volunteer at FBFF. She enjoys the sense of purpose, community, and connection she feels while contributing to ecological restoration. The work is fulfilling, and she believes the space has enriched her life in ways she didn’t expect.

If given the opportunity, who would you invite to volunteer with you at FBFF? Why?

Alexa would invite her friends, especially those who have an interest in ecology or environmental science. She believes they would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful and experience the community at FBFF.

Is there anything else you would like to add about your experience?

Alexa’s favorite plant is the elder-bush plant, which she finds to be a good presence in the space. It’s a medicinal plant, though it can easily die under stress. She admires the plant’s resilience, which mirrors her own experience of contributing to the community in ways that require effort but ultimately make a meaningful difference.