By Frankie Pobar Lay
Northside News
We want to take space in this issue to recognize Amber Blumer for her contributions to the mission of the Northside Planning Council as FEED Bakery manager. Over the past eight years, she has become an integral part of our staff and team. She started as a student in the FEED Bakery Training program in the fall of 2016, when she decided to apply for the program and explore an interest in baking, After she completed the 3-month training program, she was hired to help redesign and develop labels for the FEED Bakery. In March 2017, she was hired as a full-time baker, primarily decorating candy coated cookies, which are themed with illustrations for each season and holiday.
In the summer of 2021, Amber became manager of the bakery. She has taken on the additional responsibilities of ordering ingredients and bakery supplies, scheduling staffing, hiring and onboarding staff, among many other tasks. This has not stopped her from also being heavily involved in the day-to-day of the actual baking as well: making cookies, pastries and other baked goods. She emphasizes the importance of the team efforts that are necessary for the continued success of the bakery and provides support for the larger FEED Kitchens community. FEED bakers clock in early in the morning, as most bakers do, up before most of the rest of us, to bring freshly baked goods for you to enjoy.
Besides being a baker, Amber also enjoys playing video games. While she said she does not do much baking at home, she does enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.
FEED Bakery sells cookies and other baked goods to many local stores, such as Woodman’s, Willy Street Co-op, and Metcalfe’s, among others. When you pick them up to enjoy, it is in no small part thanks to Amber Blumer for all her hard work and dedication. We certainly appreciate her very much!
