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Introducing our new interns in Team Protein Transition

Jackie van der Waarden

Meet our new team member: intern for The Protein Community

Hi! My name is Jackie, and I’m excited to start my internship at Foodvalley! I study at Hotelschool The Hague and have a strong passion for food and sustainability. Beyond my studies, I love sports, cooking, and traveling. Exploring new cuisines and flavors is one of my favorite things, and I’m always up for trying out the latest biohacks and food trends. Creativity and connection are key for me. Whether it’s organizing a dinner, designing something visually striking, or planning a spontaneous trip, I’m always looking for new ways to bring ideas to life.

What Jackie adds to the Foodvalley Team:

At Foodvalley, I will focus on working with partners of The Protein Community and enhancing their engagement. I will be creating insightful overviews, conducting interviews, and designing creative layouts—just to name a few things! My enthusiasm, hands-on approach, and fresh perspective will help bring new energy to the team. I love brainstorming, storytelling, and finding ways to connect people through shared ideas and projects.

How Jackie contributes to a sustainable food system at home:

At home, I try to make conscious food choices by minimizing waste and experimenting with creative ways to use ingredients efficiently. I’m always testing new food trends and opt for sustainable alternatives whenever possible. Shopping at local markets and butchers is something I value because fresh, fair products make a difference—not just for me but for the whole food system.

What can you wake her up for in the middle of the night?

Any kind of pasta!

Jackie (left) and Sara (right)

Sara Dalle Pezze

Meet our new team member: intern for team Protein Transition

I am a 28-year-old Italian student who has lived in the Netherlands for over six years. Three years ago, I began my bachelor’s in international food & Agribusiness at HAS Green Academy, driven by a passion for transforming the agri-food sector and ensuring food security in the face of climate change. Aware of the environmental and social challenges of the current food system, and guided by ethical concerns regarding animal sustainability, I am committed to raising awareness and accelerating the shift toward a more plant-based agri-food system.

I am thrilled to join Foodvalley’s team to deepen my knowledge and network in this field. Working alongside game changers is a privilege, and I firmly believe that through innovation, positive leadership, and collective action, we can drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable future.

What Sara adds to the FoodValley NL Team:

I am a hard-working and determined person with a positive mindset, always seeing the glass half full. I thrive on challenges, enjoy ambitious tasks, and contribute with my creative problem-solving skills. My empathy makes me a supportive team player, and my out-of-the-box thinking, curiosity for food innovation, and multilingual abilities will add value to the team.

How Sara contributes to a sustainable food system at home:

  • I always shop 100% plant-based, focusing on a nutritionally balanced selection
  • I strive to minimize food waste by making the most of every ingredient and creatively transforming leftovers into new recipes
  • I prioritize purchasing organic and local products whenever I can afford it/they are available
  • I encourage my friends and family to make mindful and responsible choices when purchasing and consuming food

What can you wake Sara up for in the middle of the night?

You can wake me up to stargaze atop a mountain while listening to Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon.