There are at least 18 things we love about Sarah. Not least is her penchant for hiring employees from the pool of dedicated volunteers at 18 Reasons - a not-for-profit 'community food space to learn, think and do.' We love when responsible employers do their part to reward hard work and loyalty.

When did you know that you wanted to work in food?

I actually didn't know I wanted to work in food until I showed up for a job interview with a farmers' market operator. Suddenly I found myself talking about how much I love cooking and how important I think local farms are. As soon as I started the job, I knew it was all true!

How did you get your current good food job?

I started my own nonprofit organization, Three Squares, and was able to build support through the network I had built at my previous job. Building my own "brand" in the community, separate from the organization I was working for, helped me get started quickly when I wanted to go out on my own. After two years on my own, I proposed to another nonprofit - 18 Reasons - that we merge, and we are just finishing that process. Two organizations with similar missions are now one awesome nonprofit.

I found my first good food job on Craigslist, and have always hired either from Craigslist or from our current volunteer pool. Being the best volunteer at an organization is a great way to get a job, but you really have to be the best one (willing to go anywhere & do anything with a great attitude).

How did your previous work or life experience prepare you for a good food job?

I became a vegan at age 14 and my mom stopped cooking for me. This made me learn how to cook and helped me understand our food system from the ground up. My first job out of college was at a tiny nonprofit, where I learned event planning, program operations, and the most valuable skill of all, grant writing.

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in pursuing your Good Food Job dream?

I had a terrible boss and a stressful work environment at my first good food job, and realized that if I truly wanted to fulfill my dreams I couldn't give my ideas and energy away to an organization that didn't value them. Starting my own organization was my way of taking control of my career, but I know it's not for everyone! Work for someone you respect and trust.

What can you identify as the greatest opportunities in food right now?

Labor in the food system is a huge issue that needs some serious attention. Many of the most food-insecure people in our communities work in the food industry without benefits or job security. Working on labor issues directly addresses poverty through food systems work. ROC United and the Coalition of Immokolee Workers are leading the way on this, and I'm sure there are other opportunities out there. Food waste is another huge issue that needs to be addressed, whether by policy solutions or systems changes in the way we buy and sell food.

If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?

Vacation time. I used to work in Europe and had 6 weeks of vacation every year. I miss it!