Food Connects is excited to welcome Vickie Case to the team as our Development Manager. In this new position—which was separated apart from our marketing work—Vickie will connect the organization to more community members, businesses, and organizations throughout the region and strengthen its annual fund program.

Vickie joined the Food Connects team in early February and previously worked at Retreat Farm. She is excited to help grow and fortify both Food Connects Farm to School and Food Hub programs and we are thrilled to have her on the team.

What interested you most about Food Connects and why are you excited to start working here?

My interest in Food Connects stemmed from hearing about the Farm to School Program and its impact on kids and school staff throughout the county and strengthened by the Food Hub while supporting local farms and farmers bringing healthy nutritious choices to the school lunch programs.

Why is the local food movement important to you?

The local food movement has been important to me for many years. I’ve been an active member of the Hunger Council and volunteering to cook meals for the Overflow Shelter, committing to purchasing only food grown and raised locally.

What do you see for the future of FC and what you will do here? What are your hopes/dreams for this position?

My hopes and dreams for Food Connects are that it continues to grow and directly impact our communities by raising awareness of the importance of supporting and sustaining our local food systems. As Development Manager, I see it as my responsibility and mission to help businesses understand FC and how they can help support its efforts.

How will your work experience and community connections help Food Connects grow?

Having been a teacher for most of my adult life, combined with community service and jobs that required me to reach out to businesses and town leaders my position at Food Connects seems like a perfect fit. Helping to subsidize the Farm to School Program by engaging local businesses supporting the schools in their towns seems like an excellent place to start. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a Business Leadership Council made up of businesses interested in setting the pace for other businesses to get involved by raising awareness of the importance of supporting local farms while encouraging healthy eating habits in both children and adults.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work, I spend my time relaxing at home, helping my husband in the garden, and having friends over for dinner.

What is your favorite or least favorite food?

Since purchasing an air fryer, any and all food that fits in an air fryer has become my favorite food! My least favorite food is anything that does not fit in an air fryer!!

If you could be any supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

I’d be a Jackalope. Since a Jackalope is 80 percent rabbit and a rabbit’s personalities are highly intelligent, social, and affectionate. They can also present a little attitude when trying to get their way. Since I’m also a big consumer of salads, this too is a good match! The Jackalope also has horns that are at the ready in moments when self-defense is necessary.

If you were famous what would you be famous for?

If I were famous, I would be a motivational speaker and self-help guru, helping people achieve their highest potential.