Food Bank For New York City Blog

Volunteer Profile: Michaela Phipps

Written by Aaliyah Cardenas | August 11, 2022

 

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.”