A Full Plate and a Brighter Planet

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Ruth Gelaye. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Ruth Gelaye isn’t waiting for others to solve big problems; she’s tackling food waste and hunger one meal at a time. This dedicated young woman founded NoVasta, a youth-led organization with a powerful mission: rescuing surplus food from local restaurants and delivering it directly to nearby shelters. What started as a local initiative has blossomed into a global movement, now spanning over 25 chapters worldwide. Through strong, organized partnerships with restaurants, cafes and shelters, NoVasta has already donated over 8.5 thousand meals, helping to create a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Ruth’s passion for environmental justice is the driving force behind NoVasta’s success. It was first evident in her role on the Mayor Youth Council, where she spearheaded a citywide project on water access in schools, raising crucial awareness about environmental equity. Now, she’s applying that same energy to food systems. Ruth actively tracks bills related to environmental equity, volunteers her time to policy action and has formally submitted public comments to major bodies like the USDA, FDA and FSIS, as well as legislative bodies such as the Maryland General Assembly. Along with her co-founders, she leads policy and advocacy efforts as a participant in the Zero Food Waste Coalition, working to inform food waste policy at federal, state and local levels.

Beyond the logistical challenge of food rescue, Ruth uses her platform to educate and inspire. She highlights the role of youth leadership – most notably through her school TEDx talk – which explored the interconnectedness of climate change, food justice and climate displacement. Ruth has also co-hosted a global webinar with environmental experts and presented at numerous virtual events, like the Global Innovation Field Trip, to teach other young people about the link between food systems and climate. The food drives she’s conducted across her school district have also outputted over 300 meals to local food pantries.

Ruth has mobilized over 400 youth across the globe through NoVasta, creating a network of passionate young volunteers committed to real-world change. She’s driven by the clear belief that environmental issues are not abstract problems, but crises that affect real people every single day. By linking the excess of food waste with the desperate need of hungry bellies, she provides a practical, scalable solution that offers both a full plate and a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

NoVasta is an organization I co-founded in early 2024 that focuses on promoting environmental awareness, reducing food waste and mitigating food insecurity. In my role, I coordinate volunteers to organize food rescue donations within their communities, facilitate food drives and lead fundraising efforts for local causes. I also lead our advocacy and policy initiatives, working to push for legislative change that supports sustainability and hunger relief on a broader scale.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

Honestly, I love everything about NoVasta and am so grateful to have helped build an organization that embodies all my core values. Specifically, my inspiration arose from my work on the Environment, Energy and Open Space Committee on the Boston Mayor’s Youth Council, where I saw firsthand how policy and local action can drive change. I wanted to help form a mission that not only helped the earth around me, but also supported people in my community. Seeing how small, consistent actions could lead to meaningful change was definitely what inspired me to get started with NoVasta and work towards tackling food waste and insecurity through a collaborative lens.

Why is this issue so important to you?

I’ve always cared about the environment and the wellbeing of those around me. Many social issues, including hunger and poverty, are connected to human-caused environmental challenges. Environmental sustainability affects everyone and so I believe we can care for both people and the planet at the same time. Through NoVasta, we do exactly that by transforming excess food into access for those in need.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

We want to expand NoVasta’s reach throughout the Greater Boston area and beyond, increasing our donation capacity and launching more sustainability and education projects. We really hope to build stronger partnerships with local businesses, schools and environmental organizations to create a network that promotes sustainability. We currently have over 8,500 food rescue meals donated in over 25 different chapters across the globe, and hope to continue increasing that impact through continued youth led environmental and social advocacy.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

Definitely seeing the tangible impact NoVasta has made in communities through delivering meals to families, hosting events at my school to reduce food waste or even just inspiring others to take sustainable actions. Being able to see the direct results of our efforts as an organization unfold, and witnessing our work bringing both relief and to members of our community has been endlessly fulfilling.

What have you learned through your experiences volunteering?

One huge lesson I’ve learned through experience is that meaningful change often begins with small steps that lead to a greater footprint. Teamwork is so vital when you are working towards large causes, and NoVasta merging together with other youth-led organizations to host both educational and action-based events has reinforced this principle. Compassion drives all the volunteer work that I do, and so I also think it’s an incredible reminder to the importance of having purpose in all that you do, and letting that guide the impact you make.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

Because it helps build towards a stronger community. Everyone’s voice truly does make a unique impact, and to create policies that are reflective of the voices around us, we must get involved and contribute to diversifying perspectives. When we come together around a shared goal, the collective impact is undoubtedly incredible.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

My advice is to identify your values and look for local organizations, like NoVasta, whose missions may align with those values. There are so many clubs, organizations and nonprofits out there who want to help the community, and need your voice in order to make a real change. Even a quick Google search can connect you to a world of opportunities. I really encourage you to just get yourself out there!

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Ruth? Find local volunteer opportunities.