What better way to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week than introduce you to some of Food For Free’s dedicated and wonderful volunteers?
Meet Nick Pioppi, Weekend Eats volunteer.
Quick facts about Nick:
He grew up locally (but he’s missing the Boston accent!)
he’d rather be scuba diving in the tropics than doing most other things,
his favorite cookie is chocolate chip,
he’s scared of spiders,
he’s a terrible dancer,
he’s a force at breaking down boxes after a long Weekend Eats shift,
AND…
he is one of Food For Free’s dedicated volunteers!
Learn more about Nick and his experiences volunteering with Food For Free below:
What is your work status? (Student, employed, retired…) and what do you do?
I’m in the midst of a career change towards becoming a teacher, and I’m currently working as a substitute. Right now, I’m spending my time at a local elementary school, but I anticipate that my final destination will be middle or high school in the science department. Previously, I worked for 8+ years as an educator at the New England Aquarium.
Tell us how you first got involved with Food For Free:
Like many, I found myself with more free time at the beginning of the COVID pandemic due to being partially furloughed from my job. I knew that I wanted to use part of that time to help out others in need within my community, and the previous Food For Free location in Central Square was close by and appealed to me. So, I learned a bit more about the organization via the website, and I decided to sign up for a few volunteer shifts. I enjoyed my experience, and after another year or so, I found myself with more free time again. So, I jumped back in by signing up at the new location in Somerville.
What do you wish other people knew about Food For Free?
In my very short time volunteering for the organization, I’ve seen it grow significantly both internally and in its overall impact. Despite this, I’ve finished every volunteer shift with a feeling that I’ve made a tangible contribution to that impact. The program staff has really created a comfortable and welcoming environment full of encouragement and comradery. And the chance to learn about the connections between the work and those in need really makes you feel part of the organization’s mission.
What advice do you have for people looking to give back to their community?
It goes without saying that the need to support those around us and our communities is only getting greater and greater. Consequently, it has become very easy to find opportunities that match almost any passion and fit with whatever time and effort one has to offer. Your opportunity match is out there, so don’t let yourself get discouraged as you seek it out.
Additionally, giving back has positively impacted my life as much as it has my community. Who knows – you might make new friends, discover a new job opportunity, or even improve your mental health. So go for it!
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Nick is just one of many volunteers committed to Food For Free’s mission of food access for everybody. Join us!
