About Us
Committed to Combatting Food Waste & Hunger
At FoodWeb, we are dedicated to resolving the issues of food waste and hunger throughout our community.
FoodWeb is committed to sharing surplus and nourishing hope by connecting communities with fresh, healthy produce. Founded by high school students in the Lower Hudson Valley, we collaborate with food recovery organizations, local partners, and community members to create outdoor farmers markets for those in need. These markets provide dignified access to nutritious food while reducing waste and supporting a sustainable, equitable food system. Join us in our mission to empower communities and bring fresh food access to all.
Sustainability | Community & Collaboration | Nutritional Integrity
Meet Our Team
We are students dedicated to using technology to transform surplus food into a source of nourishment for our local community and to reduce food insecurity in our neighborhoods.
Julia Kroin
Julia is 18 years old and currently lives in Harrison, New York and is a Senior at Rye Country Day School. In her free time, Julia works on the stage crew for her school’s theater productions as the technical Stage Manager. She also produces digital media for her school newspaper, CROP.
Julia is a leader in her school, working both as a head tour guide, stage manager and as a Peer Leader for underclassmen. Some of Julia’s hobbies include playing the guitar and bass, watching movies, and writing.
George Ballantoni
George Ballantoni is 18 years old and lives in Rye NY. He is a Senior at Stepinac High School where he enjoys English and Math classes. In his free time, George coaches soccer and works as a camp counselor. He enjoys all sports, but especially soccer, football and basketball.
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George likes spending time with his friends and is always ready for adventure!
Jake Messafi
Jake is 16 years old and lives in Rye Brook, New York. He is a Junior at Blind Brook High School where he is an active member of the Model UN Club. Jake plays baseball and soccer for Blind Brook High School. Jake has a passion for helping make his community a better place, and through that passion Jake co-founded FoodWeb Organization, Inc.
In his spare time Jake likes managing his fantasy teams, exercising, listening to music, traveling and spending time with his friends and family.
Sammy Goldban
Sammy is currently a Sophomore at Scarsdale High School where she is pursuing her interests in a variety of clubs. She is an active participant in The Innocence Club, The Jewish Culture Club and the Help Animals Club. She also enjoys competing on her high school’s speech and debate team.
Sammy's interests include baking, sewing and jewelry making as well as volunteering with Grassroots Grocery on the weekends where she helps to deliver fresh produce to underserved communities in New York City. In her free time, she loves spending time with her friends and family, her dog, Buddy and playing tennis.
Teddy Kroin
Teddy is currently a Freshman at Rye Country Day School where he is involved in a variety of activities such as Cross Country and Basketball. Outside of school, Teddy is the drummer in an 80s rock band and an avid metal-smither/jewelry designer.
Teddy explains where his passion to helping support his community through FoodWeb came from: "I'm interested in FoodWeb because since a young age, I have seen hungry people on the streets of New York city, and I have been taught about food insecurity in school. I was happy to find out that I could help to fix this issue by working with Foodweb."
Natalie Goldban
Natalie is currently a Sophomore at Scarsdale High School where she is involved in a variety of activities. She is part of the Scarsdale High School Innocence Club which is committed to raising awareness in the school community of the inequities in our criminal justice system as well as wrongful convictions. Natalie is also a member of the Jewish Culture Club, The White Plains Hospital Club and Lifting Up Westchester and enjoys playing on the high school soccer team.
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On the weekends you will find Natalie volunteering with Mott Haven Fridge, an organization dedicated to rescuing fresh produce and delivering it to underserved communities in New York City. When she's not busy with school, Natalie loves spending time with her friends and family and her dog Buddy.