Volunteer Profile: Devin Yang

Volunteer Profile: Michaela Phipps Michaela Phipps recently joined the Food Bank to volunteer for our Virtual MLK Day of Service on January 17, 2022. Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? “The Food Bank’s mission is important to me because it serves the community in a way that provides one of the most essential needs for every person - Food. Food gives all of us the means to function in life: school, work, play, and taking care of family, community and the world.” What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? “I just recently started volunteering through the Dear New York Program writing letters. This virtual activity gave me the opportunity to revisit both my love for art and giving words of support and motivation to others - something I had lost during the 1 1/2 years of remote learning.” Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. “Stir-fry vegetables. This meal is healthy, quick and easy to make. We all get involved by preparing a variety of vegetables (mushrooms and broccoli is my favorite) - add favorite seasoning or Asian sauce (meat or seafood optional). It’s special because everybody plays a part in making the meal.” Who inspires you to serve? “My mother is the person who has inspired me. She is a social worker in a hospital. She often tells me about the patients she works with, the hardships they experience and the ways she helps to make their lives less challenging. That’s what I want to do too.”

Volunteer Profile: Judy Dederick Judy Dederick is a dedicated volunteer at our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry's Senior Meal Service. Since she joined us in April 2024, Judy has contributed her time at over ten shifts! Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? I am very aware of food deserts and malnutrition, especially in poor communities. Here, the food is nutritious and served in a visually appealing way. I've also seen the community being built between staff, volunteers, and clients, and it is so inspirational to see. We know that loneliness, especially amongst older folks, can also contribute to health. At Food Bank, seniors can connect with each other while eating a nutritious meal. What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? Each time I serve or clear a tray, I make a point to meet the client’s gaze, and seeing their warm smiles light up brightens my day. Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. Now that I'm older I live alone. I've come to cherish the simple joy of savoring a delightful meal in a cozy, inviting atmosphere—it's truly the highlight of my day. Every night I cook and plate a meal for myself, I sit by the window, play music, and think back on the day and how grateful I am. Who inspires you to serve? I've always been a caregiver. I believe that people who don't have certain privileges deserve the same care and respect as everyone else.

Volunteer Profile: Jackson Staal Jackson Staal volunteers regularly at our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry for Community Meal Service. Since Jackson began serving with us in May, he has served over 45 hours! Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? Being a born and raised New Yorker, I have unfortunately witnessed firsthand the food insecurity that too many face in this great city. Anyone walking outside can almost immediately find someone struggling to make ends meet for their next meal. This is why Food Bank For New York City is such a critical organization to fill the gap of so many New Yorkers struggling for basic necessities like food. With all the city has afforded me in terms of wonderful experiences and opportunities, I feel responsible to give back and try to help those less fortunate who call NYC their home as well. What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? My most memorable moment happens every time I volunteer, and it is getting to see the relief and gratitude in the faces of all the clients who come into the pantry. It is truly a humbling and rewarding experience to see first hand the impact that you can make on so many people’s lives. One moment in particular that comes to mind was my interaction with a family of 4 that comes in every day when hot meals are served. They are extremely considerate and grateful every time, and one day we had extra bananas lying around, so I gave the father a bunch. His eyes lit up and he profusely thanked me. I could see the relief and positivity from that moment we shared. I will never forget how my small gesture could make a world of difference to someone else. Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. One meal that is extra special to me and my family is the breakfasts my Dad makes on weekends. It is the simple breakfast meal of eggs, cheese, toast, and coffee, but it is a tradition every weekend that my Dad will get up early and cook for us and we will all eat together at the kitchen table. It is always nice to have those moments on weekend mornings where we can talk, reconnect from the busy week and enjoy a hearty breakfast together! Who inspires you to serve? The reason I am excited and inspired to keep coming back week after week truly comes from the staff of the pantry. It is an unbelievably positive and tight-knit community where every member is only focused on trying to make the lives of others dealing with food insecurity better in any way they can. Everyone is always smiling and working hard, no matter the circumstances. It is unbelievably inspiring that I get to witness such amazing people carry out the work they love and I feel lucky to even be a part of this organization with them.