Volunteer Profile: Rehana Khan

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: V. Jane Orendain Jane Orendain has served with Food Bank For New York City for seven years as a volunteer supporting the annual New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF). Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? "As a volunteer at various soup kitchens like The Bowery Mission, The Salvation Army, and St. Bart's Church, I have realized that agencies are dependent on Food Bank for all the supplies they need to be able to serve hungry New Yorkers." What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? "While serving on the ground across various NYCWFF events, I realized how much every single volunteer is needed to meet the goals of the New York City Wine & Food Festival." Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. "Anything that is tasty while providing me with the balanced nutrition I need to satisfy my hunger, while also keeping me healthy and fit!" Who inspires you to serve? "Food Bank's work inspires me to serve because I realize how much organizations like Food Bank are needed to be able to feed those who are hungry in this city."

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."