For Food Bank For New York City donors Josh and Tara Greenspan, giving back is a family affair. Since becoming supporters of Food Bank in 2020, Josh and his wife have made it a priority to involve their entire family—not just in donating but in dedicating their time to helping others. When the pair discovered Food Bank’s Family Repacks at our Warehouse & Distribution Center in the Bronx, it seemed like the perfect way to engage the whole family.
"My wife and I want to raise our kids to be people who help, who feel part of something bigger,” Josh shared. “Maybe they’ll give financially, but we hope their experiences with Food Bank inspire them to roll up their sleeves and serve.”
For more on Josh and the Greenspan clan, read below!
It wasn’t an epiphany, but more of a realization. We have two kids—my daughter is turning 15, and my son is 12—and we wanted to show them how they can use their privilege to help others. For the first ten years of their lives, we donated to charitable causes, but we weren't actively giving our time. So, we researched organizations and saw that Food Bank For NYC not only maximizes donations to directly serve those in need, but also offers volunteer opportunities for families. We wanted a local organization where we could see the impact on our community, whether on our direct neighbors or indirect neighbors across the five boroughs.
We finally signed up for a Family Repack, and it was a fantastic experience. Now, it’s become a quarterly tradition. We drive up from Long Island to the Bronx, and my kids—who aren’t morning people—jump out of bed for it!
The volunteer coordinators are great with kids and split families into different packing stations. It was so rewarding to look over and see my kids on an assembly line, carefully packing food. There’s only so much satisfaction you get from clicking “donate,” but watching my children actively help in such a meaningful way was a powerful experience.
I grew up in a close-knit family. When things got tough, everyone circled the wagon, including our extended family of neighbors and friends. My parents’ friends felt like family—they were always there with food, support, and help during difficult times. Now, we have a similar network for our kids, and we’ve faced our own challenges, from health scares to losing loved ones. Those people are the first to step in, no questions asked. That’s what being part of a community means and it’s one of the things I love most about New York, that strangers can become family in an instant.
Just do it! The hardest part is overcoming the initial inertia. We were the same way until we took that first step and got our family involved with Food Bank’s Warehouse Repacks. You’ll never regret spending time doing good with the people you love.
Join the Greenspan family in supporting Food Bank For New York City's mission of empowering every New Yorker to achieve food security for good. Click here to make your gift and help provide meals for families across the five boroughs!