About
We build partnerships and strengthen community resources so volunteer food rescue can grow and endure across Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties — helping more surplus fresh food reach organizations serving neighbors facing food insecurity, keeping good food out of the landfill.
A connected Mid-Michigan where rescuing fresh food is standard practice, and nourishing food reliably reaches neighbors who need it.
Local food rescue organizations across the region handle the pickups and deliveries. FRoM builds what connects and sustains that work — donor relationships, receiving-agency capacity, and the regional partnerships that let volunteer-powered food rescue keep growing across the tri-county area.
When perishable food is rescued quickly, it never becomes a disposal problem in the first place — no cost to the business that donated it, the government that would otherwise manage it as waste, or the taxpayers who fund that system. FRoM works directly with materials management planning committees in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties to help food rescue become a standard part of how communities plan for waste, not an afterthought.
Fresh Rescue of Michigan is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for its direction, finances, and accountability to the communities it serves.
Executive Director
Valerie has spent decades as a volunteer in Michigan environmental and food systems work. She led the study that established gleaning at the Meridian Farmers Market, helped write food rescue into Meridian Township's sustainability goals, and in 2023 started the all-volunteer food rescue operation now serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties. Her proposal for a regional food rescue coalition earned “Best in Show” in EGLE's 2025 NextCycle Michigan program.
Secretary
Nancy brings 38 years in Michigan education, including the Michigan Department of Education, high school administration in Holt and East Lansing, service as the first principal of Michigan Virtual High School, and assistant superintendent of Novi Community Schools. She has also owned a small business and an educational consulting firm, and has experience in grant writing and editing. Nancy is vice president of the Zonta Club of East Lansing and a volunteer food rescuer with the tri-county network.
Treasurer
Dr. Mary A. Seeterlin brings a wealth of scientific precision, leadership, and a deep heart for service to her role as Treasurer. After a rewarding career as a public health Laboratory Manager for the state of Michigan—where she used her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry to oversee critical diagnostic testing—Mary retired three years ago to channel her energy into volunteering and easing the burden of poverty in her community. An expert in managing complex data, validating workflows, and leading committees, she smoothly translates her decades of scientific accuracy into keeping our nonprofit's finances transparent, balanced, and optimized. Now a dedicated volunteer, Mary lives in Okemos and loves using her analytical skills to ensure our resources go directly toward fighting hunger and reducing food waste.
Director
Nancy is a clinical social worker with nearly 40 years of experience serving children, families, and adults, much of it in nonprofit settings. As Assistant Director of Community Based Services at the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center in California, she oversaw programs and wrote funding proposals. Her clinical work has shown her how closely access to nourishing food is tied to health and family stability. Since moving to Michigan in 2021, she has practiced with a group in Okemos.
If your business, agency, civic group or unit of government wants to be part of this, we'd like to hear from you.
