Many of you will know Gabi from your visits to our cafes or the warehouse. Her kindness, dedication, and passion for the community, for food, and for our mission inspire the whole team to give their best every day. It’s hard to believe she has already been with us for 8 years! We are truly grateful for her remarkable contribution and the warmth she brings to Food Works.
Here is her story…
I grew up surrounded by the flavours, stories, and traditions of my family’s kitchen, where food was always about connection. My journey has taken me from conducting legal research in Romania, to working as a chef in Japan, to running my own restaurant in Brazil. Along the way, I also taught, and now I find myself leading community initiatives in Sheffield.
I first stepped into Food Works as a customer. Watching the kitchen, I knew that I could contribute something there. That thought turned into volunteering, then a paid role, and eventually into my current position as Head Chef Training and Development. Back then, the team was just a handful of us; today, we’re nearly 15 staff, supported by 300 volunteers and 20 partner hubs.
Food Works, to me, is a place where food becomes more than nourishment. It becomes opportunity, belonging, and community. Over the past 8 years, I’ve learned so much. =Not just culinary skills, but patience, empathy, and the importance of creating a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels valued. I’ve learned to see potential in what others discard, whether it’s a batch of “imperfect” tomatoes or the people society often overlooks.
Some of my favourite moments have been simple, yet meaningful. Like turning surplus pumpkins into delicious dishes after Halloween, cooking for our bistro events and exploring cuisines from around the world, or celebrating the 2024 Business Award with our team. These experiences remind me why I love being part of Food Works. We are also working to make a real difference together.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing Food Works’ impact, building partnerships, inspiring sustainable food education, and welcoming more people into our community. The past 8 years have been transformative for me personally and professionally, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Because of you, Food Works isn’t just an organisation – it’s a family, and I am proud to be part of it.
For anyone thinking about volunteering, joining as staff, or even supporting our cafes – go for it! You don’t need to be an expert, just bring an open mind and willingness to learn. You’ll gain skills, make connections, and contribute to something that truly matters.
To sign up, visit our volunteering page and fill out the application form.
