FRESH Staff

Alicia McAvay

Executive Director (freshnewlondon@gmail.com)

Alicia came to FRESH New London with a background in Community Organizing. She worked for two years as our Farm to School Coordinator before coming into leadership as the Executive Director. As Executive Director, Alicia is responsible for every aspect of FRESH– from the big grants to the tiny worms. She wished she could get into the urban farm work more often but enjoys the work of connecting families, community partners, and civic groups, to build momentum for food system change.

Julie Garay

Senior Program Manager (julieg@freshnewlondon.org)

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New London from the age of 3, my heart belongs to this small city. I started at FRESH during my freshman year of high school as a Crew member and worked my way up to Assistant Farmer, then Youth Organizer, and now Senior Program Manager. By supporting the voices of youth and helping to grow the food put on families’ dinner tables, I am proud to say I am a part of growing (pun intended) a better, more sustainable future for New London.

Chloë Nuñez

Food Justice Educator (youth@freshnewlondon.org)

Chloë Nuñez, originally from the Bronx, NYC, left the Department of Education to pursue her passions in community agriculture, herbalism, and youth empowerment. As the new Food Justice Educator, she is committed to facilitating spaces of wellness and learning for the young people of New London.

Sydney Henderson

Farm and Project Manager (farm@freshnewlondon.org)

I started thinking critically about our food system after eating a lot of Doritos in high school. Upon graduating, I started to question what we eat and why which led me to intern on a number of farms where I learned different farming styles along with the basics of ecosystem functions. Having grown an understanding that operating without appropriate resources is extremely difficult, I started to notice parallels between our agricultural systems and societal inequities. Farming on a local, culturally relevant scale is one of the most radical calls to action because, through farming, we see the interconnectedness of people, culture, and ecosystems. Through this connected knowledge, we gain power and create opportunities for change. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time and energy.

India Charles

Food to the People Intern

India came to Connecticut when she was 8 years old, and now she is 22. India likes to listen to music and volunteer in her free time. She currently attending Three Rivers Community College and will be transferring to Eastern Connecticut State University to continue her degree in social work. India joined FRESH in the summer of 2016 as a crew member and now assists Esther with running the Food for the People pop-up food pantry.

Esther Pendola

Food To The People Coordinator ((fttp@freshnewlondon.org)

Esther Pendola comes to FRESH from a background of social work, health equity, sprinkled with grassroots programming. She enjoys working with the community and creating genuine connections to what is important to those who benefit.

Davana Grabel

Office Manager (info@freshnewlondon.org)

Born in California to parents who were avid gardeners, I’ve spent my whole life with my hands in the soil! I settled here in New London 21 years ago, and have had the joy and privilege of homeschooling two amazing girls in this little city. I think that FRESH is one of the very best things about our town, and now more than ever, empowering our community and feeding our friends and neighbors are vitally important. As long as we continue to work hard, look out for one another, and hold on to hope, I know that we will not only survive, but thrive.

Grace Amato

Social Media Coordinator

I first joined FRESH in 2019 as a summer intern, working on our multiple gardens, snack beds, and the website. Now, I am working to update our social media presence to keep everyone up to date with FRESH!

Makeeda Bandele-Asante

Health Equity and Public Health Intern

Makeeda is a part of FRESH as a Public Health and Health Equity Intern. Growing up in New London she has been a witness to the ways the health and well-being of residents would improve with anti racism work in schools, the food system, health care, and all around. She studies nutrition and hopes to become a Dietitian Nutritionist. Her hobbies include listening to and writing music, podcasts, cooking, and reading.

FRESH Junior Staff

As youth move through our programs, they have the opportunity to work as Junior Staff. They guide our crew members through growing food from seed to harvest, learning about food justice, analyzing the systems of power and oppression in New London and building a family.