We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Alex Boyd from Greener Village in Fredericton, NB.

What is your role in food banking?
I am the Executive Director of Greener Village, a fairly large (by East Coast standards) food bank that is diversifying its programming to provide access to learning opportunities, food production opportunities and other programs that look to serve the whole person!  To accomplish our goal of serving the whole person, we offer classes in our Class 4 Learning Kitchen, an opportunity to grow a 58 bed Community Garden, responsibly grown produce from our 3 greenhouse growing operation, and a thrift store clothing boutique for clients and community members. 

Describe a typical day in one word.
Rewarding. 

What was your inspiration to get involved in food banking?
I got involved in food banking as a volunteer while I was attending university. I greatly enjoyed helping others and making a difference, so I continued working as a volunteer for about 10 years when I stepped into full-time work. 

What is your greatest achievement in your current role?
My greatest achievement in my current role is simple….feeding people. I know it sounds cliché, but to be able to make sure that people have the food they need to provide for their families is an achievement like no other! 

What is the greatest challenge in your current role?
As we continue moving down the line on our learning initiatives at Greener Village, we are constantly evaluating and innovating how we deliver our programs.  While we are busy working to accomplish our goals, the greatest challenge lies in bringing the general community along on our journey so they understand the multiple different supports that we are offering to our community. 

If you could have one wish granted that would address hunger in Canada what would it be?
My greatest wish would be for people to have the knowledge that they need to be able to do the best they can with the food resources that they have available. Having more information would mean that people are able to use different foods effectively and produce some of their own food as well. 

Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be a better public speaker. It’s something that is required often in my role, but it is never something that I am completely comfortable with. Some people get up to speak and it seems as natural as breathing to them. I wish I had that. 

If you could tell your younger self advice, what would it be?
Develop your emotional awareness. Don’t let society tell you to be a tough guy! 

Who are your heroes? Fictional or real life
My parents, who sacrificed so much to teach me, my wife, who supports me unconditionally and my kids, who can always make me smile. 

What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness comes from being fully known, and yet fully loved despite being fully known. It means being vulnerable, but there is nothing better! 

What is your motto?
Err on the side of compassion. Caution protects you but compassion protects everyone else! 

Something quirky about you that others may not expect or know?
Mozart is my workout music! 

Your theme song?
Your Love is Extravagant by Casting Crowns. 

Do you know a food bank or food banker that could be featured on our next Spotlight? Contact us at communications@foodbankscanada.ca.