Like many Staples High School students, Zoe Alpert took lessons at the Next Street driving school.
Her program allowed her to earn a license 4 months after getting her permit — with at least 40 hours of road practice.
At the start, she drove around her neighborhood. But she needed experience with real driving: merging onto highways, facing all the situations that challenge new drivers once they’re on their own.
Zoe’s parents are Food Rescue US volunteers. They pick up excess healthy food from local donors — markets, stores and restaurants — and deliver it directly to area social service agencies like pantries and shelters that help feed the food insecure.
On Saturday mornings Zoe accompanied her father as he gathered food, and brought it to Stamford.
That sparked an idea. The Staples junior signed up for Food Rescue missions in Greenwich, Stamford and Fairfield.
Zoe Alpert, in action: delivering crates of food.
Volunteering with Food Rescue was “an amazing way to support those in need, while also getting plenty of behind-the-wheel practice and gaining confidence as a new driver.”
Food rescue has shown Zoe the great disparities in access to food, even in Fairfield County. The more she drove, the more appreciative she became of her abundance of food — and the more she realized that many Westporters take this for granted.
One rescue stands out. On the way from Costco in Norwalk to the New Covenant Center in Stamford, she delivered an enormous amount of food: fruits, vegetables, muffins and salads.
As she handed the last crate to a volunteer, kitchen workers rushed eagerly toward it.
“I’ll never forget seeing people so enthusiastic for something as simple as a banana,” Zoe says.
“It was a severe reminder to me that food is extremely scarce for way too many people. They don’t have the luxury of taking it for granted. I saw an immediate, direct impact.
“I will never forget that day. I look forward to every food rescue, and the pleasure of seeing the faces of people the food is helping.”
A full load, for Zoe Alpert.
Zoe looks forward to continuing to work with Food Rescue US. But she also wants to spread the message to other teenagers getting their permits: You can get great driving practice while also helping out our communities.
Congratulations, Zoe! You are this week’s Unsung Hero — for your volunteer contributions, your creative idea, and your passion for spreading the word.
Anyone in Fairfield County interested in food rescue — whether new drivers or experienced ones — can click here. For more information, contact Haley Schulman: haley@foodrescue.us; 800-280-3298 ext. 10.
Food Rescue US operates around the country. For a location near you, click here.
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Great job Zoe! Very proud!
This is such a creative way to gain driving experience and give back to the community! Thank you Zoe!
you are appreciated
that is truly killing two birds with one stone! way to go, I sent it to my daughter:)
I volunteer at the food pantry at person to person in Norwalk ,and want to thank everyone who volunteers for food rescue. What a great and important job you do bringing us donated food. We are all helping feed people,and nothing is more basic than food . Thank you so much
So awesome, Zoe! I run the Food Rescue US site in Miami and if you find yourself in Miami on vacation and want to practice more driving let me know!!