20 Questions:
A new monthly feature highlighting members of the Alliance Team.
Name: Michelle Shope
Title: Food Sourcing & Logistics Director
Birthday: June 15
Alliance Start date: August 10, 2005
Michelle was the second person hired at the Alliance 18 years ago and was recently honored by her co-workers as the Team Member of the Year. She took some time to answer a few questions about her work and her personal life. We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know more about Michelle!
Q: What do you like most about the work you do? A: The results of my work help people. That and it’s never the same day twice – never boring.
Q: Why do you always insist we use straws when dining in a restaurant? A: It’s about food safety. Do not put your mouth where someone may have touched with their hands.
Q: What are you most proud of in your career so far? A: The Arkansas Gleaning & Beef Projects. These were the hardest programs to launch. They were outside of my sphere of knowledge, and I had to learn a lot!
Q: What’s one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out? A: I plan to start my first novel in 2023!
Q: What is the most interesting project you’ve worked on at the Alliance? A: The 2 pieces of legislation I’ve worked on was a new experience and very interesting. Both pertained to the Arkansas Beef Project and were much needed. We helped change Arkansas’ Good Samaritan Act to include the donation of live animals and we supported the creation of the State Meat Inspection Program.
Q: How has your role evolved over time since you’ve worked at the Alliance? A: I travelled a lot in the beginning. I visited food manufacturers in the state. Since then, we have moved more towards program creation and implementation.
Q: What’s your superpower? A: Juggling – managing multiple projects at the same time.
Q: What was your first job? A: At 17, I was a bakery clerk at Safeway.
Q: What national hunger-relief organizations do you follow? A: Feeding America and FRAC
Q: Brevity Challenge: Can you describe what you do at the Alliance in one sentence? A: I help our food banks obtain food and handle it safely.
Q: What’s the last song you listened to? A: Falling by Harry Styles
Q: What are you reading? A: I’m about to start the Chain of Thorns series by Cassandra Clare.
Q: How many books did you read in 2022? A: 300, an all-time high!
Q: What’s your favorite book series? A: Currently, it is From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Q: Tell us about your family! A: My husband Bob and I are enjoying an empty nest. Daughters Teran (36), Lindy (24), and grandson Connar (19) have all flown the coup!
Q: What meal do you bring to a potluck? A: Deviled eggs and Yum Yum (a dessert recipe that was handed down by my grandmother)
Q: Which do you prefer: Chocolate Chip Cookies or Brownies? A: Brownies
Q: How do you spend your Saturdays? A: Lunch with Mom, pedicures and reading
Q: Three words to describe the Alliance? A: Innovative, Compassionate, Groundbreaking
Q: What do you find the most challenging in your work? A: Finding the time to do everything I want!