SecondsFirst

I love this quote.

I had it taped on the wall by my computer for the longest time because I found it so moving.  It serves as a reminder that we need to look inside ourselves to discover what excites us and brings us joy– and then make sure that we go and do those things!

Because everything is interconnected, when we do what makes us come alive, not only are we making ourselves better people, but we’re helping the world become a better place.

It is so incredibly inspiring when I meet someone possessing this kind of energy…

Betsy from Health Care without Harm and Erika from SecondsFirst invited members of RIAND (RI Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) on a field trip last Thursday. Field trip– yahoo!

We had the opportunity to meet Erika, the founder of SecondsFirst, who is making her passion happen.  She is a woman who intensely cares about health, sustainable food consumption, reducing food waste, supporting local farming/fishing and helping those struggling with food insecurity.

We met at Hope and Main in Warren where local food lovers and entrepreneurs can develop and expand their food business through the use of low-cost, shared-use commercial kitchens and other industry-specific resources.

There are over 50 small businesses working here creating products like: granola, toffee, cocktail mixers, butterscotch sauce, biscotti, dog treats, pickles, kimchi, bone broth, pimento cheese spread, gourmet chocolate and caramel dipped pretzels and sea salt (from the ocean in Newport!) I could go on but check out the member directory on Hope and Main’s website for the full list.

Erika’s specialty? Fishcakes!

We dietitians were treated to a tour through the kitchen where we saw where the fishcakes are made, cooked and packaged.  Erika showed us all the ingredients and explained where she sources them and why.

She uses skate as the main ingredient– which is caught locally, is sustainable, tastes amazing, and like all seafood is a rich source of protein and nutrients vital for health.

She also puts to good use locally grown, but misfit/cosmetically imperfect carrots and potatoes that would otherwise likely end up as food waste.

Ever try skate wings?

Erika in the kitchen about to serve us her tasty fishcakes along with a fresh salad!

Producing a delicious and nutritious ready-to-heat-and-eat food product like these fishcakes from “seconds” perfectly supports SecondsFirst’s 3 Pillars:

• No Wasted Food
• Proteins for All
• Support Local

Not only is Erika putting her energy into something that’s meaningful to her, she’s positively impacting the environment and helping those who struggle with access to protein-rich nutritious foods.  Organizations like the Jonnycake Center buy her fishcakes and they will be available soon at the Dave’s Marketplace in East Greenwich.

Thank you Erika for all the good you are doing– you are quite an inspiration to me!