We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated community of individual volunteers. This month, we are excited to spotlight Jessica Saavedra Eleno, who has become a regular volunteer at our Just Eats and Healthy Eats box packing shifts. After spotting Jessica and her family at our recent Just Eats family volunteer day, we sat down to hear more about why she chooses to be a part of the Food For Free community.  Let’s hear what she had to say to us!

How did you hear about Food For Free and what drew you to volunteer with us?

I learned about Food For Free through Molly Hansen, the former DISH Coordinator at Bunker Hill Community College’s DISH Food Pantry, where I work as a student. Hearing about the volunteering opportunities within my community, and the chance for my entire family to get involved in supporting others, immediately drew me in. Without hesitation, I registered to volunteer with Food For Free. 

What does volunteering at Food For Free mean to you, and what makes you keep coming back?

As a foreign family, volunteering at Food For Free embodies our gratitude towards this welcoming and supportive community. It serves as a meaningful opportunity to give back and contribute to the wellbeing of our community members, especially those who are most vulnerable. Volunteering has become an integral part of our lifestyle since we began, driven by the satisfaction of making a positive difference.

What is your favorite part about your experience volunteering at Food For Free?

One of my favorite experiences volunteering at Food For Free is the opportunity to connect with incredible individuals who are dedicated to serving others. It’s truly inspiring to meet people of all ages, from teenagers to the elderly, who are authentically committed to supporting our community in need. Building relationships with such compassionate and diverse volunteers has been an enriching aspect of my volunteer experience at Food For Free. 

What was participating in our Just Eats family volunteer day like and who did you bring along?

Family Day volunteering was a valuable opportunity for our family to engage with and support our community together. I attended with my husband, Eliott, and our two children, Alexis and Franco. As parents, we believe in leading by example, and involving our children in volunteer work allows them to take meaningful action and learn firsthand about giving back. Explaining the important work of Food For Free to our children during this experience was especially impactful, and it provided a meaningful way to spend time together during their vacation. 

Thank you, Jessica, for your dedication to building and uplifting the local community you have joined and for teaching your children to do the same. We are honored to be able to include you in our Food For Free community!

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If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Food For Free, sign up by visiting foodforfree.org/volunteer.