Aley Cristelli
Having attended a vegan culinary academy in Spain, Aley probably could have pursued any sort of food endeavor. She’s chosen to use her love of food and community to feed her neighbors by creating free-standing, community-supported, free food pantries across the city.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
Moving to Oklahoma City was a big one for me. I left a job and a city that I really loved along with all of my friends. The first few years were tough but starting Pine Pantry has really helped me feel my “place” here. Just getting out in the community and doing things help to feel more connected and helped me meet so many new people. I feel like I’m a tiny bit of the fabric of this city now or at least a stitch or two.
What keeps you up at night?
Not being able to do enough. No matter how many people we feed with Pine Pantry, we won’t end hunger in Oklahoma. We need to address the root of the problem and it’s hard to feel like you aren’t doing enough to resolve that.
“I feel proud when I know I did my best. If my best isn’t good enough, that’s okay, but I need to know I gave it all I could.”
What makes you feel proud?
I feel proud when I know I did my best. If my best isn’t good enough, that’s okay, but I need to know I gave it all I could.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
There’s a Jon Bon Jovi quote that is something like, “map out your life, but do it in pencil.” For me, that really resonates because I am someone who likes to have plans, but I also need to be reminded that things change. If you keep an open mind, those changes will make the journey a lot more interesting.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
Poverty
Aley is one of 100 women we have featured in the inaugural issue of Hundred Magazine. To learn more about her and the other 99 women, buy the issue.
