Dedicating Time to Make a Difference | Food Link Friday: Ivan Basch, Clerk of Food Link’s Board of Directors
After providing project leadership for product development teams with multiple software organizations, Ivan Basch retired in his early 50s. Now, he dedicates his time to being with family, giving tours at Fenway Park, ushering music shows, and volunteering at Food Link. Ivan first discovered Food Link in its early days while rescuing bread for the Lexington Food Pantry. He was excited to learn of a new group that rescued so much more than bread and pastries. This led to picking up food from Whole Foods in Medford and delivering it to the Arlington Senior Center.
In 2014, Ivan joined Food Link’s Board of Directors, where he currently serves as Clerk. Read on to learn more about Food Link’s expansion over the years, Ivan’s contributions to our organization, and how Food Link can continue to grow.
Along with your duties on the Board of Directors, you are a regular Food Link volunteer. We greatly appreciate all the hours you have dedicated to the cause! What are some of your most memorable shifts?
I really enjoy leading the weekly Friday shift at Whole Foods Arlington Friday and getting to know the volunteers who reliably show up to sort. One of the volunteers, Yvonne, has been with me forever and she’s the produce queen with a discerning eye. She takes home piles of culled produce that I’m sure other teams would toss into compost; she must be the master of cooking with bruised items as so little goes to waste! Megan was my other volunteer and she was always cheery and engaging, even while wearing a mask. It wasn’t until she left us recently (moving out of state) that we finally saw each other's smiles!
Now, after Megan’s departure and summer vacation substitutes, we have a new wave of volunteers. It amazes me how many people are locked into the Food Link mission. Thanks to the Food Link staff for keeping this amazing program going.
In addition to your Food Link volunteer hours, you are also very involved in Lex Eat Together and Neighbors Eating All Together (NEAT). How did you first hear about food rescue and how have you seen organizations in this sector grow over the years?
I am intrigued by the idea of adding value to rescued food. The community dinners extend our support to those who need even more than the food. These groups provide hospitality to some of our most isolated neighbors with a good meal served with a smile!
Early on, the idea of using rescued ingredients to make meals wasn’t universally supported as we had to disabuse that rescued food is low quality. When you see what Chef Bruce Lynn and his team of Lex Eat volunteer chefs do with rescued higher-end proteins (fish, beef, pork, chicken) paired with veggies, salads, and the spectacular rescued desserts, it’s truly a fine dining experience for all who need, often for less than $1 expense per recipient.
“I am intrigued by the idea of adding value to rescued food.”
You are the pitmaster behind Hullabaloo BBQ. Have you always been passionate about barbecue or is this a recent interest? How do you use Hullabaloo BBQ to support the organizations you are involved in?
About 20 years ago I stumbled upon a sanctioned BBQ contest here in Lexington. When I saw boxes of the finest barbecue going to the judges’ tent, I knew I had to get in there! I became a certified judge and learned the objective criteria for great BBQ (what wins).
After eating the best of the best, I set out to become a BBQ pitmaster myself by smoking meat and fish for my family and friends and co-workers, always asking for feedback, until I became good enough to win contests -- I am a former MA State Champion for Pulled Pork. It takes a lot of practice, along with proper equipment and quality ingredients.
I no longer compete but I use my pitmaster skills to raise money for Food Link. The Hullabaloo BBQ Fundraiser runs once or twice a year, with over a hundred supporters. This past spring, we raised over $15,000 for Food Link! It was especially gratifying to distribute the barbecue from our brand new Hub and have longtime Food Link and Hullabaloo BBQ supporters see our beautiful new home they helped fund.
Whether it’s food rescue or community meals, you are passionately involved in many activities. Do you have any encouragement for others who are looking to find a way to get involved?
I’m lucky to have the time to be involved with activities and causes that keep me active, engaged, and making the world a little better place. But, everyone can contribute in whatever way that’s possible for them - volunteer for a rescue or distribution shift, support Food Link financially, or perhaps serve on a committee or even on our Board.
Ivan, thank you for sharing with us! Looking to learn more about the people behind Food Link? Read more Food Link Friday posts.
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