Volunteer Profile: Christopher Larson

Volunteer Profile: Jessica Acero Jessica Acero served as a VITA volunteer this year, inspired to get involved after her family was able to access free tax assistance through Food Bank's program. Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? "I am inspired by the multiple ways Food Bank gives back to the community, including everything from food pantries to tax assistance." What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? "The most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank was getting to share how Food Bank's VITA Program helped my mom and me with our family's taxes. When my mom and I filed our taxes with Food Bank, the process was very easy, and we were even paired with a bilingual volunteer to help my mom out. That experience as a tax client inspired me to get involved as a volunteer and made me realize how much volunteering at Food Bank can help families like mine." Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. "Thanksgiving dinner is special to my family and me because it brings everyone together, family and friends. Everyone brings their food to share, and sharing food brings us closer together." Who inspires you to serve? "My mom inspires me to serve, along with everyone in my local community."

Volunteer Profile: Simone Jones Simone Jones serves at Food Bank's Community Kitchen & Pantry in Harlem as part of the Serve The Moment Service Corps in partnership with Repair the World. Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? "As a native New Yorker, I grew up seeing the tragic impacts of food insecurity in our city. Food Bank’s mission is important to me because food insecurity is unjust, and all New Yorkers deserve consistent access to nutritious food." What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? "On my first day of volunteering, Food Bank's pantry team was so welcoming. They taught me exactly what goes into each pantry bag and why. I felt like a part of the team from Day One!" Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. "Mac and Cheese is a special dish for me and my family. We make it from scratch using my grandmother's recipe!" Who inspires you to serve? "Volunteering has always been a huge part of my life. After my experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa, I promised myself that I would continue to serve my community at home. The communities that I've created both abroad and at home in NYC inspire me to serve."

Last month, Food Bank For New York City hosted an immersive field trip to the African Burial Ground for members of our senior center in West Harlem. This cultural excursion is one of the many activities offered to adults ages 60 and above who participate in Food Bank's senior programs. To kick off the guided tour, seniors watched a short film about the origins of the historical burial ground. Attendees learned that it was formerly covered by debris before being rediscovered by archeologists, who uncovered the skeletal remains of formerly enslaved people. Early activists protested plans for construction on top of the grounds because of its cultural significance to the African American community. As a result, everything was preserved, and New Yorkers can visit it to this day at the original site in Lower Manhattan. Afterward, our seniors toured the museum's various exhibits, which showcased preserved skeletal remains excavated from the burial grounds. Some also pushed a barrel up a ship ramp model in an interactive exhibit simulating one of many grueling tasks enslaved men were forced to do. Then, attendees went outside to see the memorial, and one of our seniors led everyone in a brief prayer, taking the moment to remember those buried on the grounds and express gratitude for opportunities they never had. Following the visit to the African Burial Ground, our seniors went to a nearby recording studio to listen to music in a soundproof booth. Everyone loved hearing the tunes and many started to dance in their chairs while listening. “It was so amazing to see everyone enjoying themselves so much. I couldn’t help but smile to see the seniors clapping in their chairs as we sat in the sound booth listening to music play,” said Anna Nickman, Food Bank For New York City’s summer social media intern. “Food Bank offers more than just food to their members and neighbors -- they offer unique and fun experiences in a supportive community.” Food Bank For New York City’s senior program is located at our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry in West Harlem. In addition to recreational programs and occasional field trips like this one, Food Bank provides meal service and pantry access on weekdays to seniors across the five boroughs, thanks in large part to our partnership with the New York City Department for the Aging. All photos provided by Anna Nickman.