Staff Spotlight: Rachel Terracina, HFHK’s in-house “Nature Nerd”

In May 2022, Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids hired Rachel Terracina as a part-time program coordinator for Kent & Sussex Counties. This new position supports the growing number of partner schools located in those counties. In October she became a full-time employee. HFHK sat down with Rachel to talk about her first full growing season went, what her goals are, and what it is like to be HFHK's in-house "Nature Nerd".

HFHK: Rachel! Welcome! You are now full-time and absolutely an integral member of HFHK. What initially drew you to our organization?

Rachel: When I found the listing for the part-time program coordinator position, it had literally everything I could ask for; working outdoors, gardening, and empowering students. What I couldn't possibly know is how compassionate, caring, and goofy the rest of the staff and board are. My initial draw was the amazing mission. The thing that keeps me going on tough days is the amazing team!

HFHK: The Kent & Sussex Counties Coordinator position is new to HFHK. How do you see yourself developing the position, while supporting HFHK's goal to "veggie-cate the First State"?

Rachel: While a major part of our mission is to inspire youths, it is clear that we can't do that without the hard work and dedication we receive from our partner schools and our Garden Coordinators working behind the scenes. I hope, and plan, to turn my position into one that creates a sense of community in Southern Delaware schools and supports all of the teachers supporting our students!

HFHK: You are affectionately known as our in-house "Nature Nerd". What is your favorite fact to tell students in the garden?

Rachel: I may have to start adding "Nature Nerd" into my email signature!

Favorite garden fact: The parts of the broccoli plant we eat are the flower buds!

Favorite nature fact: The word 'Mistletoe' is Old-English for 'poop on a stick'!

Watch out everyone, I am excited to say I am undergoing Delaware's Master Naturalist Training this spring, so there will be more where that came from!

HFHK: Wishbone the Corn Snake has also become a member of the HFHK team. Do snakes have wishbones and what is his favorite vegetable?

Rachel: Snakes, and other reptiles actually don't have wishbones! Birds have them to aid them in flight but one would be totally wasted on my lazy little fella!

You know, I've only ever seen WB eat mice. . . but I bet his favorite would be whichever veggie attracts the most rodents to his plate!