At Food For Free, we are fortunate to have a community of dedicated volunteers who are the backbone of our mission to combat food insecurity across eastern Massachusetts. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on one such volunteer, Chris Haroian, who has been volunteering with us for over three years and has committed over 300 hours of his time to our cause.
After a 40-year career in the tech industry, Chris retired and was looking for an opportunity to serve the community with an organization that was in need of volunteers. His search led him to Food For Free, where he embarked on a new chapter of service with us.
Chris’s ongoing commitment to Food For Free is driven by his understanding of the problem of food insecurity in our community, and his desire to be a part of the solution.
“Food insecurity is a serious problem,” Chris shared with us, “and Food For Free is doing great work to help those in need. I’m able to be a small part of the important Food For Free mission while doing meaningful volunteer work and enjoying friendships with fellow volunteers and staff members.”
Reflecting on his time with Food For Free, Chris recounted numerous fond memories of the individuals he has met during Healthy Eats home deliveries. Despite facing daunting challenges in their daily lives, such as food insecurity, health issues, and financial hardship, many of the recipients he encounters in the community exude positivity and strength. “I have fond memories of many of the people I have met doing home deliveries,” Chris shared. “Their positive attitudes in the face of adversity have been truly inspirational.”
One particularly touching story Chris shared exemplifies the positive impact of Food For Free’s Healthy Eats home delivery program, which serves members of the Cambridge community who are elderly and/or are living with a disability and don’t have access to grocery stores or food pantries. Delivering groceries to a Healthy Eats client with limited mobility and seemingly little daily support, Chris witnessed firsthand the resilience and optimism of one of his neighbors who was facing significant challenges.
Despite their circumstances, this community member always greets Chris and Simon, our Healthy Eats Program Coordinator, with warmth and gratitude when they arrive to deliver their grocery box. Having the opportunity to interact with this person on a regular basis serves Chris with the reminder of the importance of human connection and compassion, and also gives Chris the feeling that he is making a real positive impact through his volunteer work.
Many of our Healthy Eats home delivery clients are homebound and don’t have the opportunity for many social interactions in their daily lives. The simple act of delivering food to their homes means not only that they will have a reliable source of nutritious protein, produce and pantry staples that meet their dietary needs and preferences, but also that they will see a smiling face when a Food For Free volunteer comes to their door. Through Healthy Eats, we show our Cambridge neighbors that we care and are here to offer support.
As an integral part of the Food For Free community, Chris takes pride in being a small yet essential cog in a larger machine dedicated to serving others. “I’m most proud of being a small part of a greater cause,” he affirmed, underscoring the interconnectedness of volunteers, the organization, and the community at large.
Chris understands that being a part of something greater is not just good for the community, but also personally fulfilling. He encourages others to join him in his efforts, as he shares, “For anyone looking to help a community and have a sense of purpose, meaningful experience, and interpersonal connections, please consider Food For Free volunteer opportunities.”
Through his selfless contributions, Chris has not only enriched the lives of those he serves but has also inspired others to join the fight against food insecurity. As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chris and all our volunteers who embody the spirit of service and compassion. Together, we can build a healthier and compassionate community for all.
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To register to be a Food For Free volunteer, visit https://foodforfree.org/volunteer/.
