Volunteer Profile: Toby Jackson

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: 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.”

Volunteer Profile: Anna Perris Rigoutsos & Franklin Rigoutsos Anna and Franklin are a mother-and-son volunteer duo who have served with Food Bank For New York City since 2019. Together they have served more than 100 hours. Why is Food Bank’s mission important to you? A: I support Food Bank’s mission because access to food is a basic need that I believe should be available to all New Yorkers. F: I read the memoir, Free Lunch, where the author discusses his experiences as a food-insecure kid. It made me understand the importance of eliminating food insecurity. What was your most memorable moment while serving with Food Bank? F: During pantry distribution, I was able to translate, answer questions, and communicate in Spanish. It was rewarding to use what I learned in school to be able to help others. Tell us about a meal that is special to you and your family. A: A favorite meal for both of us is Thanksgiving dinner. My mother is an amazing cook and prepares a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes. It is a meal we look forward to all year and we are so thankful for the work she does to prepare it for us. Who inspires you to serve? A: I’m inspired to serve by Franklin. As a parent, I want to teach Franklin to be involved in and contribute to our community. The best way I can do this is by my example. F: During pantry distribution, people are so appreciative that it inspires me to keep showing up to serve my community.