As Volunteer Appreciation Week continues, we invite you to meet Johnny Yang, a Food For Free volunteer who stepped up to help meet the increased need in the community at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has remained a loyal volunteer ever since.
Tell us something about yourself!
I’ve lived in Cambridge for over 20 years now. Professionally, I work at early-stage technology companies, but in my “spare time,” I spend time volunteering with Food For Free and mentoring/coaching students at a local university.
What is your favorite Food For Free volunteer shift?
During the pandemic, I spent most of my time volunteering for the Healthy Eats home delivery program. Now I continue to enjoy seeing many of the regular volunteers I met during that time and meeting new ones.
What motivated you to start volunteering with Food For Free?
At the beginning of the pandemic, food pantry options were limited for those in need, and Food For Free was the best positioned organization to spring into action to help. When I heard there was a chance to lend a hand to support the new home delivery and school lunch programs, I leapt at the opportunity to get involved.
What is a big highlight or fond memory you have of volunteering with us?
Using 50 lb bags of potatoes and onions in place of my gym workout during the pandemic. 🙂 But on a more serious note: I remember at our peak, we managed to pack and deliver food for almost 2,000 Cambridge families in 1 week – what a feat!
Please provide a quote that summarizes your perspective on volunteering with Food For Free.
I’ve used this before, but I still like it: “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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We applaud Johnny for doing his part to ensure that everyone in our community – regardless of age, income, or ability – has consistent access to fresh, healthy, delicious food. If you would like to do your part too, consider joining our volunteer team!
