Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Fiona

by hungerintervention | Oct 31, 2022 | Blog, Shelter Meals, Volunteers | 0 comments

This month we’re featuring Shelter Meals volunteer Fiona. Fiona began volunteering with HIP over the summer and has been helping out weekly with Shelter Meals ever since. A Lake City local, she found out about HIP by seeing us around the community in places like the Lake City Farmers Market. Fiona has seen how food insecurity is a problem in the community, and this concern led her to HIP.

Fiona likes that HIP is a local organization that serves its own community, and relates to HIP’s goal of building community through food. “Growing up,” she says, “food was the center of a lot of family and a lot of community, and a lot of culture as well…there’s more to it than just nourishment of your body.” She admires HIP’s programs which focus on providing culturally-relevant food, like the East African Senior Meal. “Reflecting the culture of the people who are here is a huge element that makes this organization unique,” she explains.

Fiona has always tried to find ways to incorporate volunteering into her life. She finds herself returning to the HIP kitchen week after week not just because of the mission, but also because she enjoys working with Rachel and other HIPsters. As a remote worker, Fiona likes to be able to come to HIP and “work a different muscle” and be around other like-minded people. It’s been a joy to get to know Fiona and have her help every week.

As the first spotlight of the year, we would like to highlight Nick and his immeasurable contribution to our Senior Community Meal program! Nick has helped with check-in for meal service for about 8 years.

Nick found out about HIP through Jerry Berger, one of the founders of HIP, at his local church. What began as a new volunteering experience became a routine part of Nick’s life as a retiree. “Volunteering keeps me busy and is one way for me to socialize.”

As a front-facing volunteer, Nick’s unique position allows him to engage with the people around him as well as observe budding relationships grow. He likes seeing “how seniors grow in their [inter]actions with each other.” and appreciates the camaraderie he sees between HIP staff and volunteers. He also found a physical benefit by getting in some exercise while putting up and taking down tables.

We hope his story will inspire others to volunteer in their communities. In his own words: “Yes I would recommend volunteering at HIP for those that have the time, are looking for a way to help the community, or just need something to do while looking for a job. They could be like me, retired and need to keep busy.”

As a pivotal part of the Senior Meals crew, we are so happy to see Nick’s familiar face every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thank you Nick for all that you do!