Campus Celebrity: Sophie Dizengoff
Name: Sophie Dizengoff
Class Year: 2018
Major: Undecided at the moment, but something along the lines of either Art History or Sociology
What is the Harvest Project?
The Harvest Project is where we collect and pack the leftover hot food from commons, freeze it with the help of physical plant, and then, at the end of the month when food stamps are running low, pass out these pre-made, ready to heat meals to the people of Utica through Johnson Park Center’s food pantry.
What inspired you to start the Harvest Project?
The Harvest Project was the brainchild of Professor Hagstrom, (Economics department) and his wife, and then spearheaded by Sam Carletta (2017). Professor Hagstrom’s wife is a teacher in Utica and she noticed that hunger was a big problem. Professor Hagstrom founded the idea for the Harvest, and then the project took off because of Sam. As the project was finding its footing, Sam and Professor Hagstrom were looking for a food pantry. After reaching out to Amy James, head of COOP, she explained that there is an intern who works at the JPC food pantry- that’s me! And so once Sam left for abroad this year, he left the Harvest to me. I loved working as the JPC intern in the food pantry. I knew that this would only help them exponentially. It is an excellent project. I am grateful to all the volunteers who help us on a daily basis and those that come at the end of the month to JPC. JPC and Utica are very appreciative.
How can students get involved with the Harvest Project?
Email me! You can come for just one day or you can make it a weekly thing. Email me and I’ll sign you up!
What advice do you have for freshmen?
My advice is to just get involved in as many things as possible and meet as many people as possible. Freshman year is a lot of fun, but it’s also a huge transition. Don’t be afraid to try something new at any time. I feel like that goes for anyone in college. Senior year? Join a new club; who knows?