A Taste for Change: Ben Collier - Transforming the Food Donation Infrastructure

May 21, 2024

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"We have every intention of being as additive as possible to this space. I think change in general is uncomfortable, and I think in nonprofit work there can be an aversion to change and aversion to risk. And as much as possible, it's our job to show why we are not something to be afraid of." – Ben Collier

Many nonprofits are launched in response to a pressing problem. Yet so many struggle to address those problems effectively. The key to nonprofit success lies in their ability to offer viable solutions rather than simply managing the problem.

That’s the mindset that drives Ben Collier's work at FarmLink, an innovative organization bridging the gap between the food waste and hunger in the US.

Each year, 40% of food grown in the US goes to waste. At the same time, 34 million Americans face food insecurity. Food banks play a crucial role in addressing hunger. But their capacity is limited. That's where FarmLink is stepping in, connecting surplus produce with those in need. By adding a simple step to the process chain, FarmLink is helping end both food waste and insecurity.

In this bonus Camp Redwood Sessions episode, Ben Collier shares how FarmLink was founded out of a pandemic-era passion project—and the transformations it has experienced to turn it into a thriving nonprofit. Ben also reflects on his personal growth as a young CEO and the organization’s steep learning curves over the past few years. We’ll learn how FarmLink fits into the food conservation cycle and how they’re working to put a stop to the social stigma around food accessibility and solve hunger in America.

Contents

1 - FarmLink’s origin and pandemic-era roots

2 - Transitioning from a college project to a nonprofit foundation

3 - Ben’s leadership experience and evolution

4 - How FarmLink fits into the food donation ecosystem

5 - Ben’s outlook on change and innovation in the industry

6 - FarmLink’s philosophy on social stigma around food assistance

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