Volunteer Profile: V. Jane Orendain

Volunteer Profile: Naftaly Henriquez Polanco Naftaly Henriquez Polanco volunteered with Food Bank For New York City during this year’s Five Borough Pop-Up Tour for Hunger Action Month. Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? "Because there are so many people in my community that go hungry or have to choose to pay a bill over getting a meal." What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? "Being able to give back to my community and seeing how happy they were to receive help and to get good quality food." Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. "Dominican Sancocho, which is a meat and root vegetables stew. This meal signifies comfort and, warmth. It indicates celebrations. It always reminds me how important it is to eat a meal with my loved ones." Who inspires you to serve? "As a nurse serving my community is a passion. The inspiration to serve comes from seeing them express how grateful and happy they are to be served by Food Bank."

Volunteer Profile: Toby Jackson Toby Jackson served with Food Bank as an Event Lead during the 2021 New York City Wine & Food Festival. Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? “When COVID hit, I saw how much the pandemic caused so many more people to fall into hard times. I decided that my time devoted to volunteering needed to be more robust and consistent.” What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? “While I was helping give out groceries at a distribution. I saw everyday New Yorkers with jobs and families suddenly finding themselves in a desperate state. The gratitude for small acts of kindness was heartbreaking.” Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. “I would say Thanksgiving. It’s never about the food when we come together. It’s the comfort of home, family, and gratitude for our blessings.” Who inspires you to serve? “My parents were both avid supporters of charitable causes. After my dad retired, he built houses for Habitat for Humanity until he was well into his 80s.”

Volunteer Profile: Rehana Khan Rehana Khan served with Food Bank as an Event Lead during the 2021 New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF). Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? “I’ve worked with many people who have struggled with food insecurity and rely on pantries, including the parents of my students. It’s important that we all understand that food is a necessity, not a privilege.” What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? “Volunteering at NYCWFF has given me an opportunity to help others contribute to Food Bank’s mission. This experience has taught me a lot about what donating my time as an Event Lead can do for New Yorkers in need.” Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. “Any meal that we eat together (usually dinner) is special because I'm grateful to have that interaction. It's what bonds us as a united front against any hardships that come our way.” Who inspires you to serve? “The human spirit. My sense of justice to help others and their smiles as payment is what keeps me going and gives me life.”