Supporting Local Farms While Reducing Food Waste

Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Bouslog, Initiatives Program Coordinator

Since joining 412 Food Rescue in April 2024, Jennifer Bouslog has been busy bringing local produce to Pittsburgh tables through our FarmShare program (formerly known as Ugly CSA). This initiative connects subscribers to fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies while supporting nearby farms and reducing food waste.

“We’re doing things a little differently this year,” says Jennifer. “Instead of one long season, we’ve split FarmShare into three: spring, summer, and fall.” Each week, Jennifer oversees the entire process – from coordinating deliveries from local purveyor Isadore Foods to leading volunteer-powered packing events and distributing shares to nine neighborhood pickup sites.

FarmShare also extends its impact through sponsored shares, which are donated to nonprofit partners like Agape Ministries in McKeesport, helping increase fresh food access where it’s needed most.

Jennifer loves the hands-on nature of the work. “It’s exciting to see all this beautiful produce come in every week,” she says. “And knowing it’s all local and supporting a good cause makes it even better.” (She’s especially looking forward to the sweet corn again this summer.)

A former Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho, Jennifer finds hope in the people she works alongside: “Anyone who wants to be involved with 412 Food Rescue is a good person – and that’s what keeps me hopeful.”

Did you know?
On average, produce in U.S. grocery stores travels over 1,500 miles to reach shelves. FarmShare sources produce within 100 miles, providing fresher produce with a lower carbon footprint – a delicious win!