Giving back to the community

Ryan Loyd • September 25, 2025

The power of volunteering: Nourishing communities, one meal at a time

Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time — it’s about giving part of yourself. For me, that part comes through food. As a culinary student, I’ve always believed that food is more than sustenance; it’s connection, care, and community. That belief is what led me to volunteer with organizations like the Food Bank Community Kitchen and Meals on Wheels — because food is a universal language, and everyone deserves a seat at the table.

food containers stacked at the food bank after being packaged

Why volunteering matters.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own routines. Volunteering breaks that cycle. It forces us to step outside ourselves and ask: What do others need, and how can I help? Whether it’s sorting produce, cooking a warm meal, or delivering groceries to someone who can’t leave their home, every action matters.

Here’s why volunteering is more important than ever.

1. It Fights Hunger and Builds Resilience

Food insecurity affects millions of people, even in wealthy countries. By volunteering with food-based organizations, you help fill a critical gap. You're not just handing someone a meal — you’re reminding them they’re not alone.

2. It Turns Passion Into Purpose

As someone in culinary school, I see food as an art, a science, and a source of joy. Volunteering lets me use that passion for something bigger than myself. It’s not about perfect plating or fancy ingredients — it’s about heart, and making sure someone eats today who might not have otherwise.

3. It Builds Stronger Communities

Sharing food creates conversation. It connects strangers. Volunteering brings people together — from those cooking in the kitchen to those receiving meals at their doorstep. It fosters empathy, trust, and understanding in a world that needs more of all three.

4. It Teaches Gratitude

Every time I volunteer, I walk away with a renewed sense of gratitude. Not just for the food on my plate, but for the ability to help make a small difference. It’s humbling and inspiring to meet people whose resilience outshines their circumstances.

Food as a common bond.

We all have memories tied to food — a favorite dish, a family recipe, a holiday meal. Food has the power to comfort, to celebrate, to heal. That’s why it’s such a powerful tool for change. When we share food, we’re not just giving calories. We’re giving dignity, hope, and human connection.

Volunteering doesn’t always have to be big or time-consuming to matter. Sometimes, showing up once a week to chop vegetables or deliver meals can create ripples that reach far beyond what we see. I volunteer because I believe in a world where no one goes hungry. Because food is love. And because giving back is just as nourishing for the soul as any meal is for the body.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, especially in a food-related space, I encourage you to start. The need is real, the impact is immediate, and the rewards — both personal and communal — are endless.