Volunteer Profile: Michaela Phipps

Volunteer Profile: Devin Yang Devin Yang joined Food Bank as a volunteer for our 2022 VITA season, serving both in-person and virtually. In total, Devin was able to prepare tax returns for more than 60 clients, totaling just over $125,000 in refunds! Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? "I wanted to give back to my community and fight food poverty using my knowledge as a rising accountant. Food Bank’s mission is important to me because it aligns exactly with that, the prevention of food poverty with the organization of food and knowledge." What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? "When I was waiting for my train at 116th St, I met a client who thanked me for doing their tax return, and how much it meant for them that I did their tax return correctly and professionally. It really showed me that what we did mattered, and that we changed someone’s life for the better." Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. "Spring rolls are a very special meal to me. We always have them on special occasions, and they’re both delicious and easy to make!" Who inspires you to serve? "My family inspires me to serve. I heard my parents’ stories of their hardships when growing up, one of which was their sacrifice of education as kids so they could get food for the next day. I wanted to prevent situations like this from happening ever since, which is why I volunteer when I can."

Volunteer Profile: Javier Gonzalez Javier Gonzalez is an avid Food Bank supporter and volunteer who has served more than 70 hours at our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry in West Harlem, providing pantry bags to our clients with compassion and excitement. Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? I love that Food Bank offers more than just food to the community. It offers a range of tools and services that empower clients to thrive and overcome hunger. I love seeing this work in action. What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? During my first shift at the Community Kitchen & Food Pantry, I met so many clients: one had cool personal style, another one's funny jokes cracked me up, yet another showed off award-worthy dance moves. But what stuck with me were the countless clients offering their heartfelt gratitude for Food Bank’s generosity. Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. Whenever I visit my parents, my dad makes café con leche con tostadas for breakfast: a piping hot mug of frothed, steamed milk with traditional Cuban coffee and buttered Cuban bread. Having cafe con leche for breakfast reminds me of my grandmothers, who drank it daily. Who inspires you to serve? In the last few years, my priorities have shifted, and I've felt compelled to do meaningful work. I wanted to do more than donate to important causes. The pantry distribution shifts afford me the opportunity to connect with my community face-to-face and spend a few hours each week helping people.

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."