A Passion for Community Action
"Working at Greater Cleveland has shown me the extremely complex social safety net that consciously adapts to community need. My experiences living through poverty obviously influence the way I work at the food bank, and I have learned from my team valuable skills to improve the way I hold others’ lived experiences. These skills are crucial to continue in a career of service, and I am so grateful that it’s woven into the fabric of our non-profit network!"
At Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Willow Mattison is making healthy food more accessible and approachable for neighbors across Northeast Ohio. As a Healthy Harvest Corps AmeriCorps member, Willow implements the Healthy Eating Research (HER) and Supporting Wellness At Pantries (SWAP) nutrition ranking systems, which use simple traffic light labels to help pantries and families identify nutritious food options more easily.
“The hope is that shared language across the system increases access to healthy food for pantries, and thus neighbors,” Willow explained.
One of Willow’s most meaningful accomplishments this year has been partnering with members of City Year to host a healthy eating and gardening event for local families. After connecting during a school outreach and produce distribution event, the group collaborated with school staff and outreach teams to design an event tailored to community needs.
The event provided approximately 22 families with gardening kits that included tools, gloves, seeds, soil, pots, and accessible gardening information. Willow also shared practical tips for using produce in ways that feel manageable for families, whether the items are canned, unfamiliar, or unpopular with picky eaters. Families sampled canned pear smoothies while children connected with Willow over their own experiences trying new foods.
One especially memorable moment came when Willow met a mother interested in supporting the school’s community garden but lacking the resources to do so. At the end of the event, the remaining gardening kits were donated to help continue growing produce for families in the community.
Throughout her service term, Willow has also navigated personal challenges while learning how to balance a full-time role with an energy-limiting disability. She credits the supportive culture at both the food bank and the Ohio Association of Foodbanks for helping her succeed.
“This is the first full-time office job I’ve had due to my condition,” Willow shared. “Learning how to take what I need while showing up responsibly for my team is a complex thing to do.”
Willow’s passion for food access work is deeply connected to her own lived experience. Having relied on food assistance programs herself, she says serving at the food bank has given her a new perspective on the complexity and adaptability of community support systems.
Looking ahead, Willow hopes to continue working in community action and within the charitable food system. She is especially passionate about creating sustainable programs that remain effective long after implementation.
For those considering national service, Willow says an AmeriCorps term can be transformational both personally and professionally.
“A service year is an incredible way to develop yourself professionally if you’re looking to change careers,” she said.
Thanks for your service, Willow!